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.

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.

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.