UGA SBDC helps Dublin entrepreneurs turn passion for barbecue into a thriving business
Gary and Dionn Lanton turned their passion for barbecue into a thriving business with help from the UGA SBDC. From launching Holy Smokes BBQ to acquiring Lou Ann’s Biscuits and Burgers, the UGA SBDC guided them through financial planning, marketing, and business acquisition, helping them triple revenue and grow their team.
UGA SBDC helps young entrepreneur grow landscaping side gig into thriving business
Stewart Ward turned a college lawn care gig into Quality Outdoors—a multimillion-dollar landscaping business serving four states. With expert guidance from the UGA SBDC, Ward scaled operations, built a strong team, and earned recognition as Georgia’s 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Creative vision, UGA SBDC business guidance prove a winning combination for Roswell cafe
Every latte, every plate, and every antique detail at Fellows Cafe in Roswell, Georgia is a masterpiece of hospitality. With help from the UGA SBDC, Christina and Tony DeVictor turned their creative vision into business success – growing sales by 87% and launching a new market concept, From the Well.
UGA SBDC business courses, consulting set Atlanta’s Anderson Parking up for growth
With support from the UGA SBDC’s GrowSmart course and ongoing consulting, Atlanta-based Anderson Parking has streamlined operations, strengthened its management structure, and achieved 15% year-over-year growth. Now operating in multiple cities, the company is expanding across the Southeast.
UGA SBDC and VSU Partner to Bring AI Training to Rural Small Businesses
The UGA SBDC and Valdosta State University partnered to create a free AI training course for rural Georgia small businesses, offering hands-on instruction in marketing, HR, finance, and operations. The initiative strengthens tech access and collaboration between public universities and entrepreneurs.
Financial fundamentals, UGA SBDC support put Conyers homeopathic business on track for more growth
When Marjorie Roberts, owner of Newton Homeopathics, realized strong sales weren’t translating into profits, she turned to the UGA SBDC for help. With expert guidance on financials, pricing, and marketing, her Conyers-based business is now poised for 100% growth.
UGA SBDC helps South Georgia couple turn coffee passion into growing franchise business
When Mark and Allison Bell set out to open their first Ellianos Coffee franchise, they turned to the UGA SBDC for expert guidance. Just two years later, they’ve opened two locations, created dozens of jobs, and are planning three more, proving that with the right support, big dreams can take root in small towns.
UGA SBDC helps Georgia businesswoman build multi-million dollar steel fabrication company
With UGA SBDC guidance, Virginia Murphy secured critical funding, scaled her team, and grew her steel fabrication business, Waste Water Industrial Solutions, into a thriving $4 million company. Today, she’s expanding into the aviation and equipment repair sectors and credits UGA SBDC as her “trusted advisor” throughout the journey.
