StillFire and UGA SBDC ignite brewing success
Discover how StillFire Brewing turned a bold idea into a booming community destination with help from the UGA SBDC. From business planning and financing to growth strategy and expansion, SBDC support helped the Suwanee-based brewery open strong, scale rapidly, and confidently plan a second location—proving that the right guidance can help great ideas take off.
A Passion for cars and partnership with the UGA SBDC result in thriving business
From finance to classic cars, entrepreneur Steve Kanner turned a lifelong passion into a thriving custom auto business with help from the UGA SBDC. Through strategic planning, marketing guidance, and SBA loan support, the SBDC helped Commando Customs & Classics secure its facility, expand operations, and nearly triple sales—proving how expert advising can fuel hands-on passion into lasting success.
How Grandma’s cookie recipe turned into a thriving business
From a cherished family cookie recipe to a fast‑growing food business, Jonny and Hannah Womack built Jonny Boy Cookies with guidance from the UGA SBDC. With help securing financing, navigating growth, and pivoting during the pandemic, the bakery expanded into brick‑and‑mortar retail and multiple food trucks—turning a passion for baking into a thriving Georgia business.
Local sanitation company taps into UGA SBDC resources, experiences growth through excellent customer service
Mike and Christy Plowman turned community demand into a fast‑growing sanitation business with help from the UGA SBDC. By tapping into SBDC expertise for financing, planning, and growth strategy, Boomerang Sanitation scaled from a few hundred customers to thousands—while staying grounded in exceptional customer service and community impact.
UGA SBDC helps metal fabrication business grow
Greg Williams, president and CEO of Southern Metalcraft Incorporated, turned to the UGA SBDC for resources to help grow his small metal fabricating business in Social Circle. With the assistance of the UGA SBDC, Southern Metalcraft has grown 18 percent, year over year.
Rapid growth requires new employment strategies
When U.S. Army Major Reginald Foster began planning his retirement gig, he and his wife, Zenna, began researching franchise operations. They chose Tropical Smoothie Café and approached the Augusta office for help. The Fosters now employ 58 people and are preparing to open another store in Augusta.
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 scaled Reliable Rolloff Solutions into a rapidly growing waste services company with help from the UGA SBDC. SBDC consulting helped him strengthen financial analysis, improve operations, and make strategic expansion decisions—fueling growth from two to 22 employees and nearly tenfold revenue gains in the company’s early years.