From agriculture to pharmacy: UGA SBDC digs deep for a locally-owned pharmacy

Adult wearing a black polo shirt stands behind a retail counter, with shelves of vitamins, supplements, and health products displayed throughout the store behind the counter.

When Jared Swain first connected with the UGA SBDC, he had recently made a career transition from agriculture to pharmacy. After completing pharmacy school, Swain knew he could turn to Alyssa Foskey, area director at UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University, to help him develop a business plan to achieve his goal of owning his own pharmacy.

A long-term relationship with UGA SBDC leads to steady growth

Assorted ECOLINK chemical containers and bottles displayed on a tabletop mounted to a forklift inside a warehouse, with shelving, barrels, and stacked inventory visible in the background.

Brandon Pelissero, owner of industrial chemical company Ecolink, has worked with us for more than 15 years, beginning with a website audit in 2009. Over the past few years, the success of the partnership has been reflected in Ecolink’s growth—by 2023 the company had quadrupled sales and expanded both domestically and internationally.

Erosion control product manufacturer expands marketing with assistance from UGA SBDC

Older man and woman walk side by side through a large warehouse filled with industrial equipment, pallets, and workstations.

Looking to increase their online presence and expand their digital marketing efforts, owners of Silt Saver attended a UGA SBDC class focusing on LinkedIn strategy and was connected with Peter Williams, business consultant at the UGA SBDC in Macon. Williams educated Potter and Stephanie Singleton on ways to leverage social media to enhance their current marketing efforts. Now, Silt Saver is selling on a much broader scope.

Business owners benefit from UGA SBDC assistance

Two women sit at a desk reviewing information on a laptop in an office, smiling as they collaborate, with bookshelves and framed photos in the background.

The 2023 Economic Impact Study of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) provides solid evidence that entrepreneurs utilizing UGA SBDC assistance experience greater sales and employment growth than the state averages, despite the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic.

UGA SBDC helps senior focused business grow and thrive

Two adults stand side by side in front of a dark wood wall featuring the seva logo and the words “Service With Gratitude.”

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), helped Poonam Datta create a thriving adult day care center and then expand into other areas, including home care and structured family care. Each service area has experienced strong growth and the UGA SBDC remains a valuable partner for Datta as her business continues to thrive.

UGA SBDC to bolster Georgia business community thanks to a $6.2 million federal grant

Presenter stands at the front of a classroom speaking to an audience seated in rows, with a UGA Small Business Development Center banner and a projected presentation screen visible behind the speaker.

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) has been named a sub-recipient in the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Grant. A $6.2 million grant funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury and administered through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA); this grant was created to expand business assistance for small businesses that have difficulty accessing traditional banking opportunities.