Business Essentials Steer Cumming Auto Parts Company into the Fast Lane

Brothers Kevin and Randy Redd make Ford and Chevy street cars both fast and “fly.” Their uniquely designed Concept One high performance pulley systems mount on an engine and drive all of its belts, improving power and maximizing performance. In 2001 they began selling their systems and other product lines to hot rod muscle car […]
SBDC Clients Earns 2016 Small Business Person of the Year

Catherine Downey didn’t find an easy way to success. She did find what works: hard work and dedication to a vision. Catherine Downey started her first business with “a pen and a legal pad” so she could work at home after her first child was born. Today, she has four grown children and one of the fastest growing companies in Atlanta. She’s also garnered a hard-earned honor: she […]
Signature Series Courses
Continue your business education with the SBDC! Looking to enroll in a business training course? Check out some of the descriptions below to find a class that fits your needs best. Already know which class you’re looking for? Click the button below to skip the descriptions and head straight to the full list of upcoming […]
Passion for Pets Pays Off

Crook acquired the loan and opened her business. About five years later, she approached McDonell for help obtaining a $1 million SBA 504 loan, which she used to purchase land and build the first Pawtropolis. Five years after that, with 25 employees and trainers, an award-winning business and a facility filled to capacity, Crook again turned to the SBDC. After attending the GrowSmart™ program, she asked McDonell to help her create projections for a $2.2 million loan she received and will use to build a second, larger facility on land she had purchased.
McDonough Business Consultant Benefits from Expert Georgia SBDC Consulting

Former Army executive Annette O’Banion spent several years consulting with top brass in the Pentagon on issues such as recruiting and retaining talent for the Army Reserve. Her expertise in strategic planning and implementation often had her partnering on projects outsourced to national defense consulting firms. Captain O’Banion, USA, Retired, now uses her experience to […]
Allow Us to (Re)Introduce Ourselves

As the year starts anew, we thought it would be a good time to introduce ourselves to our many recent subscribers who have asked to receive our newsletter. Our faithful friends and supporters may also learn something new about us, as we are always adding to our skill sets in order to help grow Georgia’s innovative small businesses. Humble Beginnings The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) […]
Economic Impact of The UGA SBDC

The annual economic impact study of the University of Georgia SBDC, published in August of 2015, provides solid evidence that entrepreneurs utilizing SBDC assistance experience employment growth significantly greater than the state average. All clients who received five or more hours of consulting in 2013 received a questionnaire that inquired as to the benefit of […]
Sound Business Practices Move Georgia Peach Retailer from Stands to Stores

Travelers driving north and south on Interstate 95 will pass 24 billboards inviting them to stop and purchase mouth-watering products like “Fresh Georgia Peaches — Exit 58” and “Georgia Peach Ice Cream” at Georgia Peach World and the Eulonia Country Store in Townsend. The young entrepreneur behind the bold, simple marketing campaign, Jason Reott, is […]