Rapid Growth Requires New Employment Strategies

When U.S. Army Major Reginald Foster began planning his retirement gig, he and his wife, Zenna, began researching franchise operations. They chose Tropical Smoothie Café and approached the Augusta office for help. The Fosters now employ 58 people and are preparing to open another store in Augusta.

Strategic Guidance Helps Thomasville Cheesemakers Grow and Thrive 

UGA business assistance helps Thomasville cheesemakers grow and thrive Jessica and Jeremy Little Sweet Grass Dairy Thomasville, Georgia UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University Jessica Little grew up on her family’s farm in South Georgia. Although she loved sustainable agriculture and showing her cows in 4-H, she didn’t want to return to South Georgia and […]

Seasoned Entrepreneur Experiences Rapid Growth

Carey Jones has owned many businesses in his lifetime. His newest – Reliable Rolloff Solutions – is a commercial/residential dumpster service he launched with a dear family friend, Donald “DJ” Jones, in Wayne County in 2016. Quickly, Jones realized this company’s challenges differed from those he’d launched earlier.   “I’d never owned a business that […]

Atlanta Architect Wins Clients and Awards

Business Knowledge Paired with Stellar Design Wins Clients and Awards for Atlanta Architect   Monica Fenderson loves the design side of architecture, which she practiced in several private firms early in her career. But she wanted to start her own firm, so she took a part-time job as a construction manager for Gwinnett County and […]

UGA Assists with Launch of Turmeric Business

Ed Tumeric harvesting from his farm

South Georgia couple launches turmeric supplement business with UGA assistance When customers ask Diane and Ed Taylor about the pain-relieving properties of turmeric, they tell them about Bo and Tarra.   The two Asian elephants, who live on the 850-acre Elephant Refuge of North America (ERNA) in southern Georgia, no longer suffer from arthritis since […]

Trust, then Verify: CPA Values Well-Researched Second Opinion Prior to Purchasing Firm

Augusta accountant Lisa Mayo is familiar with the variety of resources the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center has at its disposal, as she is one of those resources. She frequently serves as a tax panelist and QuickBooks expert for its SBDC StartSMART™ courses. Mayo, a CPA and CVA, or certified valuation analyst, believes […]

Restaurant Revitalization Fund Supports Americus Staple

Federal restaurant revitalization fund brings new life to Americus institution     Tracia Tullis and her mom Gladys opened Gladys’ Kitchen in Americus 27 years ago. The country cooking restaurant, known for its crispy fried chicken, signature dessert and the delicious caramelly Butter Roll, is an important community asset, a popular gathering place on weekdays, […]