UGA SBDC in Albany Expands Programming with Georgia AIM Grant and the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission
UGA SBDC Consultant Troy Vollenweider (left) assisting a business training program attendee (right) 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 […]
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 University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) when the building that housed his business was put on the market. Worried the new property owner might not honor his lease, Williams saw an opportunity to purchase the space. With expert […]
UGA SBDC client wins U.S. SBA Exporter of the Year award
For entrepreneur Felipe Arroyave, the American dream is paying off thanks in part to a partnership with the University of Georgia. Recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 2024 Small Business Exporter of the Year, Spectrum International has grown through exporting its custom-made contact lenses across 68 countries. With the help of the […]
Attorney Turns to UGA SBDC for Assistance to Establish Firm
After working in larger law firms for many years, Katrina Quicker was ready to start her own intellectual property law firm. She completed the requirements to establish her business as a limited liability company (LLC) but was unsure of her next steps. That’s when she turned to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center […]
Valdosta Therapy Business Expands with Assistance from the UGA SBDC
Erin Haskins opened Southern Therapy Solutions in February 2015 as a mobile speech therapy business. As her business grew, she needed sound business principles to grow her business successfully. She connected with Alyssa Foskey, area director at the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) at Valdosta State University. Foskey guided Haskins in […]
Partnership with UGA SBDC Helps Trade Show Display Company Enhance International Relations
Displayit was looking to enhance its relationship with its international agent and hire a freight forwarder to streamline imports. After working with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center’s International Trade Center, Displayit has increased revenue 5% by working with its international agent to develop a new product line and is importing up to 12 containers a year, each housing up to $200,000 of revenue.
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 Clients Receive SBA Awards
For the past 60 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week as an opportunity to recognize the critical contributions of America’s small business owners. As part of National Small Business Week (April 28 – May 4), the US Small Business Administration (SBA) takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners and others from all 50 states and US territories. This year, five clients from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) were named SBA award winners in the Georgia District. In addition, one client was named a national award winner.
