Strategic guidance helps Thomasville cheesemakers grow and thrive
Raised on a South Georgia farm, Jessica Little never expected to return home—but a passion for cheesemaking and sustainable agriculture led her back to help grow Sweet Grass Dairy into a nationally recognized artisan cheese producer. With support from the UGA SBDC, the Littles expanded their creamery, added dozens of jobs, increased sales, and successfully navigated growth challenges, positioning the business for continued success in competitive retail markets.
Seasoned Entrepreneur Experiences Rapid Growth
Carey Jones has owned many businesses in his lifetime. His newest – Reliable Rolloff Solutions – is a commercial/residential dumpster service he launched with a dear family friend, Donald “DJ” Jones, in Wayne County in 2016. Quickly, Jones realized this company’s challenges differed from those he’d launched earlier. “I’d never owned a business that […]
Atlanta Architect Wins Clients and Awards
Business Knowledge Paired with Stellar Design Wins Clients and Awards for Atlanta Architect Monica Fenderson loves the design side of architecture, which she practiced in several private firms early in her career. But she wanted to start her own firm, so she took a part-time job as a construction manager for Gwinnett County and […]
UGA Assists with Launch of Turmeric Business
South Georgia couple launches turmeric supplement business with UGA assistance When customers ask Diane and Ed Taylor about the pain-relieving properties of turmeric, they tell them about Bo and Tarra. The two Asian elephants, who live on the 850-acre Elephant Refuge of North America (ERNA) in southern Georgia, no longer suffer from arthritis since […]
Closed, but not “Closed:” SBDC helps St. Marys business thrive during COVID shutdown
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Cottle & Gunn to close its doors in April 2020, owner Deborah Cottle leaned into creativity, community, and a strong online presence to keep her business thriving. With guidance from the UGA SBDCC, Cottle quickly launched an online store and leveraged social media to more than double—and then triple—her spring sales, transforming a crisis into a period of record-breaking growth.
A Helping Hand
Darrel Hulsey Director of the UGA SBDC International Trade Center Darrel Hulsey has spent the last 30 years helping small businesses in Georgia thrive. As the director of the International Trade Center at the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Hulsey spends his days helping small business owners begin exporting their products […]
Trust, then Verify: CPA values well-researched second opinion prior to purchasing firm
When experienced accountant Lisa Mayo was approached about buying another firm, she turned to the UGA SBDC not as an expert—but as a client. With guidance from SBDC consultant Rick McMurtrey, Mayo carefully evaluated the opportunity, purchased the practice, expanded into a larger space, and grew Mayo & Associates into a thriving full-service firm with rapidly increasing revenue and staff.
Federal restaurant revitalization fund supports Americus Staple
For nearly three decades, Gladys’ Kitchen has been a beloved cornerstone of the Americus community. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the country-style restaurant to close its doors, owner Tracia Tullis adapted with drive‑through service and, with support from the UGA SBDC, secured federal relief funding to retain employees, remodel the space and reopen stronger—ensuring the family‑run institution continues serving its community for generations to come.