Agriculture equipment company expands internationally with assistance from UGA SBDC

Worker stands next to large green agricultural harvesting equipment outdoors, with a red banner reading “We Know Georgia.”

Kelley Manufacturing Company (KMC), a farm machinery manufacturer based in Tifton, Georgia, partnered with the UGA SBDC to overcome challenges entering international markets. With guidance from the UGA SBDC on global expansion strategies and international trade regulations, KMC now works with seven international dealers and has equipment operating in 22 countries.

International trade assistance opens new markets for surgical garment manufacturer

Man wearing glasses and a dress shirt with a patterned tie reads a document on a manufacturing floor, focused on the machinery in front of him.

The UGA SBDC offers a variety of ways to help small businesses grow. But what if a business wants to enter international markets? Russell Rainey, owner of Rainey Apparel Manufacturing in Clarkston, was ready to sell his product globally but didn’t know where to start. When he heard the UGA SBDC had resources that could help, he turned to them for advice and training through the ExportGA program.

UGA SBDC expertise leads to partnership with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning to strengthen child care industry business practices in Georgia

Child lies on a wooden floor arranging colorful geometric puzzle pieces into shapes, with red, blue, green, white, and purple pieces scattered nearby. A red graphic in the lower left reads “WE KNOW GEORGIA.”

During the pandemic, Alyssa Foskey, area director at the UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University, recognized the need to add additional consulting and training opportunities to support small business owners within the child care industry. In 2022, she partnered with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to help develop a new online platform of no-cost training and resources for child care business owners.

UGA SBDC aids Atlanta pediatrician in practicing medicine with solid business advice

Adult wearing a face mask uses a stethoscope to listen to a seated child’s chest while another adult supports the child on a living room floor with toys nearby.

Dr. Nancy Doelling had a career in business trading foreign currency, but after having her first child she realized her passion lied in pediatric medicine. After completing medical school, she knew she could turn to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for guidance on building a successful medical practice.

Local artisan store sees success with help of UGA SBDC

Vintage‑style sign reading “Locally Made Savannah” mounted outside a storefront, with arrows pointing inward.

When Nick and Tonya Rintye had an idea to open a store selling locally made goods, they knew their first step was to meet with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC). Since opening, Locally Made Savannah has seen strong growth in both revenue and employees. They now showcase goods for purchase from more than 300 local artisans.

UGA SBDC helps bakery survive and thrive despite pandemic

Group of bakery staff stand behind a table covered with assorted breads, rolls, pastries, and decorated cakes in a commercial kitchen setting, with baskets and trays of baked goods arranged across the foreground.

The UGA SBDC supports businesses at every stage—whether preparing for growth or navigating unexpected challenges. That support proved critical for BreadWorks International, which faced pandemic-related hurdles after its founding in 2007. With UGA SBDC guidance, the company not only survived but achieved 1,100 percent sales growth and added 15 employees.

Small business owners in rural Georgia learn to build a powerful online presence through UGA SBDC’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp

A presenter speaks into a microphone during a marketing session, with projected text behind them reading “Questions About Marketing Strategy?”

Local search engine optimization, social media platforms, artificial intelligence, finding online customers – what does it mean for a small business? Through the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center’s Digital Marketing Bootcamps, more than 600 rural Georgia entrepreneurs have discovered the answers for their business. The Digital Marketing Bootcamp is a three-hour program taught […]