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UGA Small Business Development Center in Athens

Helping Small Businesses Navigate Their Next Stage of Growth

Whether you’re looking to grow an established business, improve operations, access capital or explore a new business opportunity, the UGA Small Business Development Center in Athens provides expert consulting, training and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Client Testimonials

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382 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602
Phone: 706-542-7436
Email: athens@georgiasbdc.org
Exterior building of the UGA SBDC in Athens on E Broad Street
Serving the following counties: Barrow, Clarke, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Walton

VISITOR INFO

To ensure we can provide each client with dedicated assistance, our office operates by appointment. Please contact us in advance to schedule a meeting, as we are unable to accommodate walk-in visits. Our office is located at the corner of East Broad and Spring Street. We have visitor spots located in lot N04 at the corner of Jackson and Spring Street. The lot entrance is on Spring. A visitor parking permit is required. When arriving at our office, please ring the bell and a member of our team will greet you.

Business Challenges
We Can Help You Solve

Learn more about the challenges we help businesses owners with every day.

Get Started

Need funding to start, grow or expand your business? Our consultants can help you prepare loan packages, evaluate financing options, improve lender readiness and connect you with the resources needed to pursue capital opportunities. Please note: the SBDC does not provide funding.

MEET THE TEAM

Headshot of Doug Huemme
Doug Huemme
Area Director
UGASBDC_CarlaTurner
Carla Turner
Program Assistant
UGASBDC_MadelineRosaVelez
Madeline Rosa Velez
Business Consultant
Headshot of Whit Richardson
Whit Richardson
Business Consultant

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"My consultant was extremely helpful in helping me get started with my new business. After more than two decades in the military, it was intimidating to be on my own. He provided a list of potential referral partners, specific to my client base. I think there is a good chance I may have closed my doors had I not sought his advice and guidance."
"The experience was very informative and I was very impressed how resourceful Mr. Doug was about our business concerns."
"I can’t tell you how important and beneficial my time has been with the SBDC in Athens… Our consultant has single-handedly guided us through our loan process to aid in opening our brewery. Absolutely top notch representative of the SBDC and we could not have done it without him!"
"SBDC assistance has been great. My consultant, Madeline Rosa, is always available to answer any questions I have and has provided valuable resources that have contributed to the success of my business. She also connected me with additional experts, who assisted me with accounting expertise and helped me understand the pros and cons of different business structures so I could make an informed decision on how to hold my assets. I am forever grateful. Thank you so much!"

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Tue
1
September
September 1st @ 5:00 pm
Course Number: 0827-001

How to Start a Business in Georgia

UGA Innovation Hub
210 Spring Street
Athens, GA
0.00
This in‑person, 2‑hour workshop helps funnel your business questions into informed decisions and clear next steps for starting a business in Georgia
Wed
16
September
September 16th @ 8:30 am
Course Number: 0488-027

Supervisor Skills for the Modern Manager

UGA Innovation Hub
210 Spring Street
Athens, GA
199.00

During this four-hour workshop, supervisors will learn a variety of management skills to develop a strong work environment.

Mon
26
October
October 26th @ 9:00 am
Course Number: 0846-002

Everyday AI for Smarter Small Businesses

UGA Innovation Hub
210 Spring Street
Athens, GA
0.00
This two-hour workshop is intended for small businesses who are ready to use AI tools like ChatGPT to save time, boost efficiency and make smarter decisions for all facets of their business - no tech jargon required.

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