Fixing the Broken Windows of Your Business

James Wilson and George Kelling, two brilliant social psychologists, published their “broken windows theory of urban decay” in 1982, in which they proved that small signs of disorder in a community such as a simple broken window in a housing project or retail storefront that goes unfixed could encourage more negative behavior. A broken window […]

Avoid These Three Common Cash Mistakes in Start-Ups

Startup - Starting a Business in Georgia

Everyone can appreciate the value of cash. But, a new business start-up is usually the most sensitive when it comes to the power of cash. Here are three common mistakes that can lead to major stress for a new business venture.   ONE: Overspending in the Beginning Entrepreneurs often think their business ideas deserve the highest quality expenses […]

Strong Financials Realize Vision for Clarkston Educational Center Owner

Alex Cesar knew from an early age that she’d run a school. Inspired by her grandmother, a principal, Alex would sometimes join her in the classroom. She eventually taught special education in the public schools, but felt stuck in the system. “I always had a vision of running a child-care center that would emphasize learning, […]

SBDC, Wells Fargo Partnership Near 10-Year Anniversary

For almost 10 years, SBDC StartSmart™, an eight-week small business education program, has been a staple for new and emerging entrepreneurs who want to learn to plan, market and manage their businesses. Wells Fargo has been the statewide sponsor of the program since 2007, and with their financial support, many small business owners and prospective […]

Funding Options for New or Young Farmers

For many young farmers there is a deep desire to grow their farming operation, however, most are faced with the challenge of getting financing. Young farmers that are just getting into the business have not had time to build a lot of equity. Because of this, banks will consider the young farmer to be riskier compared to a seasoned farmer. One of the many variables banks will consider is how well the farmer can manage their working capital, and without a history of that from operations, it’s more difficult for a bank to determine the likelihood of repayment. Today, with low commodity prices and smaller margins between expense and revenue, young farmers are exposed to tough decisions and banks are tightening their internal lending policies. Despite this, there are still many opportunities for the young farmer.

Financial Projections Expand and Support a Savannah Tradition

By all accounts, the Gretchen Greene School of Dance is a Savannah tradition. Founded in 1969 by a Savannah native who danced as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette, the school now teaches the children and grandchildren of many an aspiring young ballerina and tap dancer who first graced its studios. So many new young […]

SBDC Employees Love Working with Small Businesses – And It Shows!

Perhaps this employee summed it up best: “We serve the public in a very real way that is very satisfying and makes you feel good about what you are doing. The employees here strive to make our contribution to society a very real experience and offer the best we can be…”