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).
They had seen previous success with their first business, The Hipster Hound, by working with the UGA SBDC and developed a great working relationship with Becky Brownlee, area director at the UGA SBDC in Savannah.
With the business idea in hand, Brownlee helped the Rintye’s develop a business plan and financial projections to in order to secure an SBA loan. She also helped them with a demographic analysis, branding and marketing.
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.
“Without the UGA SBDC, we would not have been in the position we are in to succeed. We had a dream, an idea of what Locally Made Savannah could be, and what we wanted it to be, and the SBDC really solidified that idea and put some practical pieces to the puzzle. And that was indispensable for our start up and what we hope will be a long growth cycle,” said Nick Rintye.
For More Information: University of Georgia SBDC | (706) 542-2762
All programs of the UGA SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The University of Georgia
Small Business Development Center
382 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602-5412
P: (706) 542-2762
