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.
Thursday, August 13, 2026
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Tom Jones is the area director at the UGA Small Business Development Center in Gainesville. Bringing more than 30 years of experience helping companies of all sizes grow and thrive in a variety of markets and conditions..
Tom has built and led marketing teams and has experience in branding, marketing communications, value proposition development, brand transitions, acquisitions, website optimization and digital marketing.
In addition to his corporate career, Tom served as an adjunct marketing professor at the University of North Georgia, where he taught MBA and undergraduate courses.
Stephanie Sokenis brings more than twenty years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through strategy development, operational growth, and financial literacy, with a background that includes small business management, program leadership, one-on-one consulting, and outcomes-based entrepreneurship education focused on strengthening core operations and long-term sustainability.
She is an Accredited Small Business Consultant and a Certified Financial Education Instructor
She holds an MBA from the University of North Georgia and is currently finalizing her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning, Design & Technology – Instructional Design & Development at the University of Georgia.
The UGA Small Business Development Center is a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia. This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and is supported by federal taxpayer funds. Our federal funding disclosure can be found at www.georgiasbdc.org.
By registering, I certify that I am 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.
