Small business owners across Metro Atlanta will soon have a new place to turn for expert business guidance, training and resources. The University of Georgia is opening a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) office in Buckhead in collaboration with the Terry College of Business.
Located within the Terry Executive Education Center, the new office deepens UGA’s presence in Atlanta and provides entrepreneurs with direct access to experienced consultants, educational programs and specialized expertise designed to help businesses navigate challenges and pursue new opportunities.
“One of UGA’s greatest strengths is our ability to bring together expertise from across the university to address real-world challenges,” said Stacy Jones, vice president for public service and outreach.
“This partnership between the Small Business Development Center and the Terry College demonstrates how collaboration can expand opportunities for entrepreneurs while strengthening the economic vitality of Metro Atlanta and communities across Georgia.”
The new Buckhead location builds on the SBDC’s longstanding presence in metro Atlanta, while expanding access to consulting and educational programs for businesses in Fulton County. Entrepreneurs will have access to one-on-one business consulting, market research, financial analysis and educational programs tailored to help companies start, grow and adapt to changing market conditions.
“The Atlanta metropolitan area is home to one of the largest and most dynamic small business communities in the Southeast,” said Allan Adams, SBDC state director. “With more than 800,000 small businesses across the area, there is tremendous demand for trusted business guidance—opening a permanent presence in Buckhead allows us to expand our reach and help more entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient businesses.”
The Buckhead office will be supported by experienced personnel Terence Strong and Drew Zoller. Together, they bring expertise in strategic planning, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing and growth strategy. Their experience ranges from venture-backed startups and international finance to market analysis and business expansion, allowing them to support companies facing a wide range of opportunities and challenges.
The SBDC has a long history of helping Metro Atlanta businesses navigate critical moments of growth. SBDC consultants have worked alongside companies such as Henri's Bakery & Deli, the nearly century-old Atlanta institution; Able Autism Therapy Services, which expanded access to care for families across the region; and Suwanee-based Winton Machine Company, which grew from a garage startup into an internationally-recognized manufacturer serving customers in more than 17 countries. These businesses reflect the breadth of Metro Atlanta’s entrepreneurial community and the wide range of challenges the SBDC helps business owners address.
“The Terry Executive Education Center serves as a gathering place for business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from across Metro Atlanta,” said Mike Pfarrer, Terry College’s Associate Dean for Research and Executive Programs. “Including the SBDC in our Buckhead campus strengthens our ability to connect Georgia’s business community with the expertise and resources of the University of Georgia.”
The impact extends across Georgia. Over the past five years, SBDC clients have created more than 15,000 jobs, generated $9.7 billion in sales and accessed $1.27 billion in capital. The new Buckhead location will be one of 17 locations serving the state.
“The Georgia Small Business Development Center’s presence at the Terry Executive Education Center creates opportunities for business owners to engage with UGA and Terry throughout every stage of growth,” said Santanu Chatterjee, Dean of the Terry College. “Bringing Executive Education and small business consulting under one roof makes it easier for leaders to access the knowledge, leadership development, and practical resources and help contribute to Georgia’s economy.”
In addition to its presence in Buckhead, the SBDC will continue collaborating with partners across the region, including Georgia State University and Morehouse College, to offer consulting services in convenient locations across Metro Atlanta. The Buckhead office expands that network of support, creating a new access point for entrepreneurs seeking practical guidance, strategic insight and resources to help their businesses grow.
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