When projects slowed at Pro-Seal & Paving during the pandemic, majority owner Tammy Roberson and her husband, Joel, turned to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) in Rome for assistance. UGA SBDC business consultant Patricia Devlin guided the Robersons as they submitted an application to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to keep the business running.
Roberson and Devlin met at a Ringgold Downtown Partners business meeting in early 2021, where Devlin was discussing the services provided by the UGA SBDC, including COVID assistance. At that time, Roberson owned the Shabby Chic Boutique in downtown Ringgold as well as Pro-Seal & Paving.
“Tammy was interested in the PPP loan, but the larger banks were telling her they didn’t have the time or resources to help her apply,” Devlin said. “She had questions about the requirements for the loan package and was having a hard time communicating with anyone who could answer them.”
Devlin answered Roberson’s questions and more, helping her tap into UGA’s resources and expertise.
“Patricia was an angel advising us on the PPP,” Roberson said. “She’s the reason I applied for it, and then she walked us through every single step.”
With the PPP funding secured, Roberson began looking for additional growth opportunities, including more government contracts. Devlin advised the team on becoming certified as a women-owned business under the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program.
Roberson knew that certified women-owned small businesses receive preferred rating in government bids. She wanted to register to gain access to the federal contracting sector and start bidding on larger projects. Together, Devlin and Roberson spent two-and-a-half hours going through the WOSB application and submission process. Their efforts paid off and Pro-Seal & Paving was certified as a WOSB in late summer 2023.
The company has jumped on new bid opportunities and been awarded new contracts that Roberson expects will help lead to future growth.
By early 2024, the business had 14 employees, including 11 paving operators, two office staff and a full-time estimator. Sales, up 30% in 2022, continue to grow.
“Our new certification will contribute to our growth,” said Roberson. “It stops any limits I had on bidding on these new projects and opens up more opportunities in an area that was closed to us before.”
Roberson keeps the line open to Devlin and the UGA SBDC.
“Patricia is a walking book of knowledge when it comes to starting and running a business,” she said. “When I meet other business owners who don’t know what direction to go in, I send them to her.”
RESULTS
"The UGA SBDC doesn’t tell you how to run your business, but instead gives you options that will lead you to create a successful business environment for growth."
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
