Meet U.S. SBA Georgia Small Business Person of the Year: UGA SBDC client Eric Williams

Eric Williams, owner of Unified Defense and Prince Service & Manufacturing, turned to the UGA SBDC when the building that housed his business was put on the market. This crucial decision not only led to significant growth for his company, but in 2024 Williams was named U.S. SBA’s Georgia Small Business Person of the Year.
UGA SBDC helps Panthersville Business Stand Out and Gain Steady Growth

In 2014, Nadine Marsh Coleman had the opportunity to acquire SERVPRO® of Panthersville, a franchise that provides residential, commercial and governmental water and fire restoration and mold remediation services. Her transition from a career as a software engineer to full-time business ownership led her to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for assistance. Coleman’s work with the UGA SBDC guided the trajectory of her business, transitioning it from fragile to thriving, and tripling sales within the first four years of her full-time ownership that began in 2019.
From Fitness Trainer to Keto-Friendly Baker: UGA SBDC Helps Scale Small Business

Amber Connor was baking keto-friendly sweets out of her house, and she was ready to expand her business, Sinless Sweets. She connected with Rick McMurtrey, area director at the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) in Augusta, to learn the best way to scale her business. McMurtrey helped her review potential retail locations, evaluate build-out costs, prepare financial projections and organize the financials and management of the business. Since working with the UGA SBDC, Sinless Sweets has moved to a brick-and-mortar location, experienced a 300% increase in sales and added six employees.
UGA SBDC Teamwork Aids Lula Business Owner in Two Major Ventures

Pest Control Insulation & Tallulah Adventures Long Term Relationship with UGA SBDC Helps Pest Control Insulation Grow Bill Turk created his business and patented technology – thermal acoustical pest control insulation (TAP®) –because of opportunities unique to Georgia, including his work with the Gainesville office of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA […]
Small Business Lenders Find Value in Business Education and Resources from the UGA SBDC

Whether it’s small business planning, market development, access to capital, record keeping or general business consultation, the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) can assist business owners in any stage of their growth. Lending institutions are also discovering the benefits of working with the UGA SBDC.
Electrical Business in Tucker Finds Targeted Resources for Business Growth

Chris Wilburn knew the ins and outs of the electrical trade, but when it came time to start his own company, CW Electrical Solutions LLC, he knew he’d need assistance learning how to run a business. An online search for business education resources led Wilburn and his wife, Maria Thurston, to the online training calendar for the UGA SBDC. They took every training course they could and established an ongoing relationship with the UGA SBDC that continues to guide their business.
UGA SBDC Helps Senior Focused Business Grow and Thrive

SEVA ADULT DAY CARE The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), helped Poonam Datta create a thriving adult day care center and then, thanks to continued support from UGA SBDC, she expanded into two other areas, including home care and structured family care. Each service area has experienced strong growth and UGA […]
UGA SBDC Aids Atlanta Pediatrician in Practicing Medicine with Solid Business Advice

Dr. Nancy Doelling had a career in business trading foreign currency, but after having her first child she realized her passion lied in pediatric medicine. After completing medical school, she knew she could turn to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) for guidance on building a successful medical practice.