UGA SBDC strategic coaching fuels growth for LaGrange home care franchise

When two sisters launched an in-home, non-medical home care franchise to better serve families like their own, demand quickly followed. With strategic coaching from the UGA SBDC, Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care in LaGrange built the systems needed to scale—nearly tripling revenue, expanding staff, and earning top statewide and local awards while keeping quality care at the center of their mission.

UGA SBDC 2026 report highlights Georgia small business impact and growth

Screenshot of report cover with text "2026 Small Business Impact in Georgia report from the University of Georgia Small Business. Development Center".

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) has released the 2026 edition of “Small Business and Its Impact on Georgia.” This annual publication provides key data on Georgia’s 1.4 million small businesses and takes a closer look at industry trends in Atlanta and South Georgia.

From push mower to a growing enterprise with help from the UGA SBDC

ndividual standing indoors in front of a wall with a large “TopLine Landscapes” logo, wearing a light-colored polo shirt with the company logo embroidered on the chest.

When Griffin Thomas saw an opportunity to expand his business, TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping, he knew he needed guidance. With UGA SBDC support, he secured financing, improved financial management, and expanded into a new facility—fueling 24% revenue growth and earning SBA Georgia Young Entrepreneur of the Year honors.

Georgia manufacturer’s global success story powered by UGA SBDC support

Two people work together at an automated tube-bending machine inside a manufacturing facility. One person in a blue company shirt and another in a plaid shirt examine curved metal tubing positioned on the machine. The industrial setting includes blue and yellow equipment, metal components, and overhead signage reading “Welding.”

Built in Georgia, trusted worldwide. Winton Machine produces advanced automation equipment used across the globe. See how UGA SBDC support helped the company grow from a small startup into an internationally recognized manufacturer delivering American-made solutions to customers everywhere.

Manufacturer expands export markets with UGA SBDC support and training

Representative at a trade show booth shaking hands with an attendee next to food processing machinery and a product display screen.

DeLong’s Gizzard Equipment, a specialty poultry equipment parts manufacturer, has carved out a niche in an industry dominated by one-stop poultry machine shops. When owner Mary DeLong Murray set her sights on expanding her company’s export business five years ago, she turned to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for expert […]

UGA SBDC clients recognized as 2026 U.S. SBA Award recipients

Graphic promoting “2026 National Small Business Week, May 3–9, 2026,” featuring five red stars above the headline and an illustrated streetscape of small shops and industrial buildings. At center is a large SBA trophy labeled “SBA 2026,” with the U.S. Small Business Administration logo at bottom left and “sba.gov/nsbw” at bottom right on a blue background.

Six UGA SBDC clients have been named 2026 Georgia District SBA Award winners, recognizing their leadership, innovation, and impact on Georgia’s economy.
These entrepreneurs represent the very best of small business—driving job creation, strengthening communities, and proving what’s possible with the right support and determination.

Security technology firm secures future with UGA SBDC assistance

Person wearing a navy plaid blazer and white shirt stands indoors along a hallway of large windows with greenery visible outside.

When Adam Hammock launched iS3 Tech Services, he had deep technical expertise—but knew scaling a business would require more. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, iS3 has grown into a thriving security technology firm protecting mission critical facilities across the Southeast. Read how the right partnership helped turn vision into lasting impact.

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