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 UGA SBDC when the building that housed his business was put on the market. This crucial decision not only led to significant growth for his company, but in 2024 Williams was named U.S. SBA’s Georgia Small Business Person of the Year.
UGA SBDC client wins U.S. SBA Exporter of the Year award
Felipe Arroyave’s Spectrum International exports custom contact lenses to 68 countries. Recognized as the 2024 Small Business Exporter of the Year, the company overcame pandemic challenges with support for UGA SBDC and now boasts 28 employees and $3 million in annual revenue, growing steadily at 19%.
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.
From Fitness Trainer to Keto-Friendly Baker: UGA SBDC Helps Scale Small Business
Amber Connor was baking keto-friendly sweets out of her house, and she was ready to expand her business, Sinless Sweets. She connected with Rick McMurtrey, area director at the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) in Augusta, to learn the best way to scale her business. McMurtrey helped her review potential retail locations, evaluate build-out costs, prepare financial projections and organize the financials and management of the business. Since working with the UGA SBDC, Sinless Sweets has moved to a brick-and-mortar location, experienced a 300% increase in sales and added six employees.
Economic Injury Disaster Grant Scam
Stay alert! Small businesses are being targeted with a phishing scam designed to collect banking information and payment in return for “SBDC Economic Injury Disaster Grant.” This is NOT a legitimate email or offering. The emails may come from: “[email protected]” and claim a business has been approved for a grant but a “tax clearance fee” […]
Support From UGA SBDC and Solid Budgeting During a Crisis Has Lasting Effects for Real Estate Law Firm
The pandemic left many businesses uncertain about their financial future. For Rubin Lublin, LLC, a Peachtree Corners real estate law firm, the pandemic brought their primary line of legal work to a halt. Michele Lublin, the firm’s director of finance and operations, turned to the expertise and resources of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for assistance.
Small Business Lenders Find Value in Business Education and Resources from the UGA SBDC
Whether it’s small business planning, market development, access to capital, record keeping or general business consultation, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) can assist business owners in any stage of their growth. Lending institutions are also discovering the benefits of working with the UGA SBDC.
Electrical Business in Tucker Finds Targeted Resources for Business Growth
Chris Wilburn knew the ins and outs of the electrical trade, but when it came time to start his own company, CW Electrical Solutions LLC, he knew he’d need assistance learning how to run a business. An online search for business education resources led Wilburn and his wife, Maria Thurston, to the online training calendar for the UGA SBDC. They took every training course they could and established an ongoing relationship with the UGA SBDC that continues to guide their business.
