Lending and Marketing Assistance Help Put Augusta Meat Market on the Map

Meat markets and butcher shops nationwide are losing more and more customers to competition from traditional grocery stores, super centers and nontraditional food retailers like Target. But don’t tell Wayne Lanier’s customers in Augusta. They wouldn’t believe it. In fact, they know if you don’t get to Lanier’s Meat Market early enough, you’ll have to […]
GrowSMART | April 3

In full or half day weekly sessions, learn to analyze and manage your business like a seasoned CEO.
Aid in Securing USDA Loan Places Southwest Georgia Product on Store Shelves Across the U.S.

Ray Crosby knows his bees and honey. A third-generation farmer who lives with his family in Omega, a rural southwest Georgia town, he understands what makes his product—packaged as pure, unfiltered raw honey— unique. His knowledge, in fact, resonates with the customers from coast-to-coast who buy Weeks Honey. “Working with Ray, I’ve learned a lot […]
Making the Dream a Reality

If you’re a college football fan, you can’t deny the success of Coach Kirby Smart in just year two of his tenure at Georgia. Not many people would think to look to Kirby for inspiration, but football coaches and small business owners have a lot in common. Both professions require leadership, dedication, commitment and a […]
Guidance Through Loan Process Helps Metro Atlanta Restaurateur Triple His Locations

Diego Velasquez had worked in Georgia’s restaurant industry more than 14 years – moving up to district manager for a major chain – when he opened his first Tacos and Tequilas Mexican Grill in Buckhead with his savings and the support of family and friends in 2010. “I had decided that if I can open […]
2017 Contractor Academy
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Welcome to the 2017 Contractor Academy Class Portal! On this page, you will be able to download presentations and other information regarding the program for each section. If you have any questions, please contact Trudy Lawrence in the UGA SBDC in Macon office at [email protected] or (478) 757-3609.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style=”column_title” inner_style=”inline_border” title=”Agenda”][/block_title][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][block_title style=”column_title” inner_style=”inline_border” […]
Financial Modeling Offers Clear Path to Expanded Production for Alma Blueberry Grower

Blueberries have become Georgia’s leading fruit crop. Their production, at 96 million pounds this year, outpaces peaches and has a $1 billion impact on the economy. But what to do with all those berries? Alma farmer Shawn Davis, vice president of Southern Press and Packing, is doing his part to increase sales and develop new […]
Full Knowledge of Funding Options Helps Launch New Macon Brewpub

“I found out that Josh and the SBDC were resources small businesses could use, for free. I thought, ‘Wow, here’s a guy who’s like an extension of my staff. Why wouldn’t I go to him?’ We got to talking, and he told me about the financing, market analysis and other help he could provide.”