How Grandma’s Cookie Recipe Turned Into A Thriving Business

From Pharmaceutical Sales Representative to Cookie Baker In December 2015, Jonny Womack was in midst of a career change – having just returned to school to become a registered nurse after working as a pharmaceutical sales representative. Over the years, he had earned a reputation for bringing unique homemade cookies during his sales visits. “Right […]

UGA SBDC Helps Metal Fabrication Business Grow

Greg Williams, president and CEO of Southern Metalcraft Incorporated, turned to the UGA SBDC for resources to help grow his small metal fabricating business in Social Circle. With the assistance of the UGA SBDC, Southern Metalcraft has grown 18 percent, year over year, from a revenue standpoint. “The biggest payoff I’ve seen from the UGA […]

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Small Business

Are you planning for growth in 2024? Have you set clear goals with measurable key performance indicators (KPIs)? If you do not have a strategic plan in place, now is the time to get your processes and plans documented for the new year. Create an Enjoyable Workplace: Competitive pay is still important, but today’s workforce […]

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 […]