UGA SBDC client wins U.S. SBA Exporter of the Year award

Man in a gray suit stands smiling on a stage beside a U.S. Small Business Administration sign, the American flag, and an SBA flag during a formal event.

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%.

Apparel brand manages growth with help from the UGA SBDC

Stack of folded red, white, and tan striped polo shirts displaying black Steinberg brand labels at the collar.

Roy Steinberg’s golf apparel business was in full swing in Albany, Georgia, but his business needed additional cash flow to increase inventory and meet demand. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, Steinberg was able to develop a strong financial plan to refinance existing loans and improve cash flow. His hard work paid off—sales for his business, Steinberg Sportswear, have tripled.

From agriculture to pharmacy: UGA SBDC digs deep for a locally-owned pharmacy

Adult wearing a black polo shirt stands behind a retail counter, with shelves of vitamins, supplements, and health products displayed throughout the store behind the counter.

When Jared Swain first connected with the UGA SBDC, he had recently made a career transition from agriculture to pharmacy. After completing pharmacy school, Swain knew he could turn to Alyssa Foskey, area director at UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University, to help him develop a business plan to achieve his goal of owning his own pharmacy.

Erosion control product manufacturer expands marketing with assistance from UGA SBDC

Older man and woman walk side by side through a large warehouse filled with industrial equipment, pallets, and workstations.

Looking to increase their online presence and expand their digital marketing efforts, owners of Silt Saver attended a UGA SBDC class focusing on LinkedIn strategy and was connected with Peter Williams, business consultant at the UGA SBDC in Macon. Williams educated Potter and Stephanie Singleton on ways to leverage social media to enhance their current marketing efforts. Now, Silt Saver is selling on a much broader scope.

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.