Savannah entrepreneurs’ startup finds fast track to success with UGA SBDC help

Three people and two dogs are standing in front of the large white truck with a portable dumpster on the back. One person is standing on the truck's step, while the other two people, Max Lemaigre and Sean Dane-Kellogg, and are standing on the ground next to each other, holding leashes attached to the dogs.

Sean Dane-Kellogg and Max Lemaigre, childhood friends and business partners, turned their entrepreneurial vision into two thriving Savannah-based businesses—Detritus and JMS Dumpster Rental—with the support of the UGA SBDC. Learn how strategic planning, access to funding, and expert guidance helped them scale smart.

UGA SBDC clients shine among 2025 U.S. SBA Award winners

Glass awards with blue bases, engraved with the SBA logo and inscriptions, lined up on a table with a blurred blue background.

Five UGA SBDC clients have been named Georgia District award winners by the U.S. SBA during National Small Business Week, May 4-10. These entrepreneurs will be honored at ceremonies in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, highlighting the impact of UGA SBDC’s educational services on their success.

Empowering early education: UGA SBDC guides Clayton County childcare center to growth

A collage of photos featuring Adaeze Ngoddy, owner of Rex Childcare & Early Learning Center, watering vegetables in the Center's children's garden, leading a presentation on gardening education, and meeting with Clayton Co. District 1 Commissioner Alieka Anderson.

Meet Adaeze Ngoddy, founder of Rex Childcare & Early Learning Center. For 30+ years, she’s been dedicated to early education, but she knew her business had room to grow. With help from the UGA SBDC, she improved her finances, marketing, and hiring strategies—leading to a 9.1% revenue increase & 13.6% workforce growth in just one year.

UGA SBDC helps an Atlanta beauty business favorite spread its wings

Photo of the dark green brick exterior of Aviary Beauty and Wellness’s Summerhill location in Atlanta, a close up of the business’s name and logo on a glass door, a photo of the interior of the full-service salon and spa, and a portrait of owner Amy Leavell Bransford.

With support from the UGA SBDC, Aviary Beauty + Wellness secured funding, expanded into Summerhill, and doubled its staff. Our consultants helped owner Amy Leavell Bransford refine her business plan, financials, and marketing strategy—taking her business to new heights.

UGA SBDC helps Savannah soul food favorite stage a culinary comeback

Geneva Wade built a reputation for mouthwatering Southern cooking in the ‘80s and ‘90s. When she decided to bring her famous fried chicken & cornbread back to Savannah, she turned to the UGA SBDC for help. With expert guidance and financing support, Geneva’s Famous Chicken & Cornbread Co. is now a thriving success.