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.

Agriculture equipment company expands internationally with assistance from UGA SBDC

Worker stands next to large green agricultural harvesting equipment outdoors, with a red banner reading “We Know Georgia.”

Kelley Manufacturing Company (KMC), a farm machinery manufacturer based in Tifton, Georgia, partnered with the UGA SBDC to overcome challenges entering international markets. With guidance from the UGA SBDC on global expansion strategies and international trade regulations, KMC now works with seven international dealers and has equipment operating in 22 countries.

International trade assistance opens new markets for surgical garment manufacturer

Man wearing glasses and a dress shirt with a patterned tie reads a document on a manufacturing floor, focused on the machinery in front of him.

The UGA SBDC offers a variety of ways to help small businesses grow. But what if a business wants to enter international markets? Russell Rainey, owner of Rainey Apparel Manufacturing in Clarkston, was ready to sell his product globally but didn’t know where to start. When he heard the UGA SBDC had resources that could help, he turned to them for advice and training through the ExportGA program.

UGA SBDC expertise leads to partnership with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning to strengthen child care industry business practices in Georgia

Child lies on a wooden floor arranging colorful geometric puzzle pieces into shapes, with red, blue, green, white, and purple pieces scattered nearby. A red graphic in the lower left reads “WE KNOW GEORGIA.”

During the pandemic, Alyssa Foskey, area director at the UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University, recognized the need to add additional consulting and training opportunities to support small business owners within the child care industry. In 2022, she partnered with Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) to help develop a new online platform of no-cost training and resources for child care business owners.

UGA SBDC aids Atlanta pediatrician in practicing medicine with solid business advice

Adult wearing a face mask uses a stethoscope to listen to a seated child’s chest while another adult supports the child on a living room floor with toys nearby.

Dr. Nancy Doelling had a career in business trading foreign currency, but after having her first child she realized her passion lied in pediatric medicine. After completing medical school, she knew she could turn to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for guidance on building a successful medical practice.

Local artisan store sees success with help of UGA SBDC

Vintage‑style sign reading “Locally Made Savannah” mounted outside a storefront, with arrows pointing inward.

When Nick and Tonya Rintye had an idea to open a store selling locally made goods, they knew their first step was to meet with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC). Since opening, Locally Made Savannah has seen strong growth in both revenue and employees. They now showcase goods for purchase from more than 300 local artisans.

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