From Agriculture to Pharmacy: UGA SBDC Digs Deep for a Locally-Owned Pharmacy

When Jared Swain first connected with the UGA SBDC, he had recently made a career transition from agriculture to pharmacy. After completing pharmacy school, Swain knew he could turn to Alyssa Foskey, area director at UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University, to help him develop a business plan to achieve his goal of owning his own pharmacy.

UGA SBDC Helps Entrepreneur Through Contest

UGA Small Business Development Center helps entrepreneurs through contest

“There’s a value to doing a business plan whether you are part of a competition or not,” Butler said. “But when you’re part of a competition, it kind of intensifies their effort, their focus on it and also allows them to gain some feedback.”

From startup to sale: UGA SBDC supports franchisee’s full-circle success

Person wearing a dark collared shirt, positioned indoors against a background featuring a red tiled section and a large circular red logo with a white rooster silhouette.

Dustin Mullis turned his dream of owning a Zaxbys® franchise into a multi-store operation generating millions in revenue and employing over 300 people. With expert guidance from the UGA SBDC, Mullis navigated site selection, financing, and strategic growth—ultimately selling seven stores and launching a new location.

UGA SBDC helps Columbus restaurateur launch $6 million culinary destination

A woman with long, dark hair is standing with hands on hips, wearing a black sweater. The background is a plain gray color.

With guidance from the UGA SBDC, Columbus entrepreneur Melinda Newton, better known as “The Chicken Lady,” is transforming her passion for food and community into a $6 million dining destination called CARGO. The project is expected to create up to 450 jobs, generate $15 million in annual sales, and contribute $1 million in local tax revenue.

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Manufacturing and Onshoring

Supporting Manufacturers in Georgia At the UGA Small Business Development Center, we are committed to helping Georgia’s manufacturers grow stronger, smarter and more competitive. We offer a wide range of services tailored to the unique business needs of manufacturers, including business planning, financial forecasting, operational efficiency, supply chain optimization and workforce development. As more businesses […]