Community ties, relationship with UGA SBDC leads to growth for restaurant franchise
When the pandemic threatened her fast-casual restaurant, Dos Bros, Purvi Patel turned to the UGA SBDC for help securing funding, expanding her catering operations, and opening two more locations! Today, Dos Bros not only thrives but also gives back—supporting nonprofit organizations, employing individuals with intellectual disabilities, and mentoring students through local schools.
Electronic medical records company sees significant growth after working with the UGA SBDC
Following a near closure during the pandemic, ShareableFORMS, led by founder Bobby Mehan and CEO Holly O’Hare, collaborated with the UGA SBDC to transform the business. In one year, the Bremen, Ga.-based company saw impressive growth, boosting operating income by 137%, while reducing costs by 15%.
Columbus OBGYN practice turns to UGA SBDC for business restart
A few years after her husband’s passing, Patricia Eldridge was determined to honor his legacy by reopening his OBGYN medical practice. With limited business experience and funds, she turned to the UGA SBDC for support. Thanks to their guidance, Eldridge MBS Wellness Center for Women is now thriving, expanding its team to meet the increasing demand for their services.
ATV repair business expands offerings with help of the UGA SBDC
Amanda and Jason Smith, owners of Grandy’s Cycle and ATV, secured financing, improved their accounting, and developed a digital marketing strategy with the help of UGA SBDC,. Since 2016, their business has grown nearly 3,000%, including the opening of their newest venture, a hunting supply store called The Buckstop.
UGA SBDC in Albany expands programming with Georgia AIM grant and the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission
The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) will utilize $100,000 in grant funding to offer training to rural Georgia businesses over the next three years. The Albany office of the UGA SBDC, which covers 28 counties in rural southwest Georgia, will administer classes in the areas of marketing, digital marketing, managing cash flow and business finances, and starting a business.
Meet U.S. SBA Georgia Small Business Person of the Year: UGA SBDC client Eric Williams
Eric Williams, owner of Unified Defense and Prince Service & Manufacturing, turned to the UGA SBDC when the building that housed his business was put on the market. This crucial decision not only led to significant growth for his company, but in 2024 Williams was named U.S. SBA’s Georgia Small Business Person of the Year.
UGA SBDC client wins U.S. SBA Exporter of the Year award
Felipe Arroyave’s Spectrum International exports custom contact lenses to 68 countries. Recognized as the 2024 Small Business Exporter of the Year, the company overcame pandemic challenges with support for UGA SBDC and now boasts 28 employees and $3 million in annual revenue, growing steadily at 19%.
Attorney turns to UGA SBDC for assistance to establish firm
When Katrina Quicker was ready to start her own intellectual property law firm, she turned UGA SBDC Business Consultant, Daniel McCoy who helped her put together a business plan, secured funding, identified a rental space and set up the business side of her firm. Since then, the firm has grown 25%, adding two attorneys and increasing its client load.