UGA SBDC aids in expansion of successful co-working salon studio
Amika Carter had built two successful locations of her co-working salon, Beya Salon Studios, in Atlanta and was ready to open a third near Atlanta’s West End when she reached out to Terence Strong, Fiserv business consultant at the UGA SBDC at Morehouse College, for assistance. Together they worked on strategic expansion plans, financial projections, a tenant recruitment plan and a review of the return on investment from her marketing efforts. Beya Salon Studio’s third location opened in September 2023, breaking even the first month with 21 studios leased. Now, the location is nearly at capacity with only five of its 34 spaces available.
UGA SBDC helps Panthersville business stand out and gain steady growth
In 2014, Nadine Marsh Coleman had the opportunity to acquire SERVPRO® of Panthersville, a franchise that provides residential, commercial and governmental water and fire restoration and mold remediation services. Her transition from a career as a software engineer to full-time business ownership led her to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for assistance. Coleman’s work with the UGA SBDC guided the trajectory of her business, transitioning it from fragile to thriving, and tripling sales within the first four years of her full-time ownership that began in 2019.
From fitness trainer to Keto-friendly baker: UGA SBDC helps scale small business
Amber Connor was baking keto-friendly sweets out of her house, and she was ready to expand her business, Sinless Sweets. She connected with Rick McMurtrey, area director at the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) in Augusta, to learn the best way to scale her business. McMurtrey helped her review potential retail locations, evaluate build-out costs, prepare financial projections and organize the financials and management of the business. Since working with the UGA SBDC, Sinless Sweets has moved to a brick-and-mortar location, experienced a 300% increase in sales and added six employees.
UGA SBDC teamwork aids Lula business owner in two major ventures
From pioneering a patented pest control insulation product to revitalizing a downtown community space, entrepreneur Bill Turk’s journey shows the power of long‑term small business support. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, Turk grew Pest Control Insulation into a nationwide, multimillion‑dollar operation and later launched Tallulah Adventures, a vibrant outdoor and retail destination in Tallulah Falls—demonstrating how strategic advising can support both scalable innovation and community‑focused growth.
Support from UGA SBDC and solid budgeting during a crisis has lasting effects for real estate law firm
The pandemic left many businesses uncertain about their financial future. For Rubin Lublin, LLC, a Peachtree Corners real estate law firm, the pandemic brought their primary line of legal work to a halt. Michele Lublin, the firm’s director of finance and operations, turned to the expertise and resources of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for assistance.
Small business lenders find value in business education and resources from the UGA SBDC
Whether it’s small business planning, market development, access to capital, record keeping or general business consultation, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) can assist business owners in any stage of their growth. Lending institutions are also discovering the benefits of working with the UGA SBDC.
Electrical business in Tucker finds targeted resources for business growth
Chris Wilburn knew the ins and outs of the electrical trade, but when it came time to start his own company, CW Electrical Solutions LLC, he knew he’d need assistance learning how to run a business. An online search for business education resources led Wilburn and his wife, Maria Thurston, to the online training calendar for the UGA SBDC. They took every training course they could and established an ongoing relationship with the UGA SBDC that continues to guide their business.
Paving company gains new job opportunities after utilizing UGA SBDC
When projects slowed at Pro-Seal & Paving during the pandemic, majority owner Tammy Roberson and her husband, Joel, turned to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) in Rome for assistance. UGA SBDC business consultant Patricia Devlin guided the Robersons as they submitted an application to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to keep the business running.