Whether you’re just starting to brainstorm your idea or ready to turn your passion into a profitable venture, this class will give you a roadmap to success. You’ll learn what you need to start a business in Georgia, from assessing the feasibility of your idea to marketing, finding financing, building a team, and operating legally. You’ll leave with actionable steps, essential tools, and resources to start your business on a strong foundation. Small businesses are the backbone of America; this class will help you start yours.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
This is a Zoom webinar. Upon registration, you will receive your Zoom link via email.
Ryan Swanson comes to the UGA SBDC after 20+ years in Venture Capital and Private Equity. For 15 years Ryan was a Partner and COO of a family office that focused on sustainable business. He has a wide range of experience from serving as the CFO of an Icelandic geothermal power company, COO of a regenerative agriculture company in Southwest Vermont, to founder and President of a packaged food company in Georgia. Ryan started his career with Deutsche Bank as an analyst for an early-stage venture fund. Ryan received a bachelor’s degree in Management and an MBA in accounting from Georgia Tech.
This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, you certify that you are legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.
All programs are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
The UGA SBDC is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
All SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the United States. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
The UGA SBDC is an accredited member of America’s SBDC.
The University of Georgia
Small Business Development Center
382 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602-5412
P: (706) 542-2762
