Kendrick and Abelardo Maradiaga, the father-and-son team behind A&B Commercial Construction, secured $1.3 million in financing to purchase their first commercial property with expert guidance from the UGA SBDC. Their story is a powerful example of how strategic support can help small businesses scale with confidence.

When Bianca Pope launched Golden Isles Family Healthcare, she had the clinical expertise but needed help navigating the business side. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, she transformed her vision into a thriving medical practice. Learn how strategic support fuels sustainable growth and empowers entrepreneurs to lead with confidence and clarity.

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.

For nearly 60 years, Cooper Machine Company in Wadley, Ga. has built top-tier sawmill, pallet, and cooperage equipment for customers across the U.S. and abroad.. Now led by CEO Frances Cooper, the family business turned to the UGA SBDC hiring the skilled labor it needed to grow.

Atlanta’s CountiFi is using AI to solve a major problem in the airline industry: inventory waste. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, Founder David Hailey refined its investor pitch, doubled revenue, and expanded into new sectors like healthcare.

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.