A Passion for cars and partnership with the UGA SBDC result in thriving business

Wide view of a blue classic Chevrolet inside a large auto shop, with a mechanic leaning over the open engine bay and vehicle lifts in the background.

From finance to classic cars, entrepreneur Steve Kanner turned a lifelong passion into a thriving custom auto business with help from the UGA SBDC. Through strategic planning, marketing guidance, and SBA loan support, the SBDC helped Commando Customs & Classics secure its facility, expand operations, and nearly triple sales—proving how expert advising can fuel hands-on passion into lasting success.

How Grandma’s cookie recipe turned into a thriving business

Person standing with arms crossed in front of a glass storefront door displaying a logo and text reading “Jonny Boy Cookies,” with additional text visible on the window.

From a cherished family cookie recipe to a fast‑growing food business, Jonny and Hannah Womack built Jonny Boy Cookies with guidance from the UGA SBDC. With help securing financing, navigating growth, and pivoting during the pandemic, the bakery expanded into brick‑and‑mortar retail and multiple food trucks—turning a passion for baking into a thriving Georgia business.

UGA assists with launch of turmeric business

Ed Tumeric harvesting from his farm

With guidance from the UGA SBDC, South Georgia entrepreneurs Diane and Ed Taylor turned their turmeric crop into the American Turmeric Company. SBDC consultants helped them secure a $250,000 USDA Value Added Product Grant and connect with key partners, fueling growth and expanding their reach.

Agribusiness

We know Ag. We speak Ag. The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center offers a statewide program of agribusiness consulting with the mission to enhance the economic well-being of Georgians by providing a wide range of educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. We provide one-on-one consulting in the following areas: Business […]

Support Georgia’s Small Businesses

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. UGA’s public service mission guides this team to work alongside Georgia’s business owners by offering services are either no-cost to the business owner or at a significantly reduced rate. UGA SBDC IMPACT With […]

Growing a Business

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If a small business has a problem with growth, it’s usually one of two issues: Either the business isn’t growing fast enough, or the growth is uncontrolled. The SBDC has experienced consultants who can help small businesses create a strategy and action plan for growth that includes attention to each of the major areas of […]

Starting a Business

How to Start a Business in Georgia Starting a business is one of the most significant – and often most challenging -decisions a person can make. The commitment is substantial, the potential impact far-reaching, and the journey highly personal. Some individuals are natural entrepreneurs, while others arrive at this turning point unexpectedly, perhaps out of […]

Attorney turns to UGA SBDC for assistance to establish firm

Woman wearing glasses and a white jacket smiles while standing in an office hallway, with three framed abstract artworks hanging on the wall behind her.

When Katrina Quicker was ready to start her own intellectual property law firm, she turned UGA SBDC Business Consultant, Daniel McCoy who helped her put together a business plan, secured funding, identified a rental space and set up the business side of her firm. Since then, the firm has grown 25%, adding two attorneys and increasing its client load.

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