UGA SBDC helps senior focused business grow and thrive

Two adults stand side by side in front of a dark wood wall featuring the seva logo and the words “Service With Gratitude.”

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), helped Poonam Datta create a thriving adult day care center and then expand into other areas, including home care and structured family care. Each service area has experienced strong growth and the UGA SBDC remains a valuable partner for Datta as her business continues to thrive.

UGA SBDC aids Atlanta pediatrician in practicing medicine with solid business advice

Adult wearing a face mask uses a stethoscope to listen to a seated child’s chest while another adult supports the child on a living room floor with toys nearby.

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.

Sister entrepreneurs use UGA SBDC to guide business growth

Open office interior with multiple workstations, shelves of materials, laptops on desks, and people working at tables under warm lighting.

When sister entrepreneurs Brianne Martin and Dani Harmadi wanted to scale Freshwater Design Co. from a home-based studio into a downtown Augusta production and retail space, they reached out the UGA SBDC for help. SBDC consulting helped them develop a business plan, secure SBA financing, and better manage cash flow—fueling doubled sales, team growth, and plans for continued expansion and rebranding.

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 […]

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