Planning for your business is extremely important. Often, this is called your strategic plan, which is the formalized road map that describes how your company executes the chosen strategy. A plan spells out where an organization is going over the few years and how it’s going to get there.

A strategic plan is a management tool that serves the purpose of helping an organization do a better job, because a plan focuses the energy, resources, and time of everyone in the organization in the same direction.

The plan also helps build your competitive advantage, communicates your strategy to staff, prioritizes your financial needs, provides focus and direction to move from plan to action.

The Next Steps

David Lewis
Area Director

Mr. Lewis joined the SBDC in 1990 as a rural economic development consultant and is currently the area director of the Brunswick office. He has previous experience in the restaurant and commercial fishing industries. Mr. Lewis’s primary area of interest lies in developing specialized management audits and other innovative methods of assisting business clients. Education […]

Related Training

Writing a Business Plan

A customized step by step integrated action plan that is essential to the success of your business.

Cost: $69 | Level: Beginner

StartSmart

Build your business to withstand the test of time. SBDC StartSmart™ provides the resources, support, and motivation to put your dream within reach.

Cost: $495 | Level: Beginner

GrowSmart™

Helps aligns your vision for your business with the steps to get you there. Create a framework to improve the performance of your business for years to come.

Cost: $895 | Level: Advanced

From Model to Medical Practice

Posted by Ashley Panter
On February 23, 2018

Solid financial planning turns unique vision into thriving middle Georgia practice. After several years of working in other practices, Dr. Jeff Langford, a specialist in allergy and immunology, wanted to drive quality control himself. He also knew much of Middle Georgia’s population lacked easy access to his specialty. So he developed a new practices model […]

An Elf’s Success

Posted by Ashley Panter
On December 21, 2017

The UGA SBDC helped catapult “The Elf on the Shelf” to stardom. Here’s how: Since helping Carol Aebersold and her twins, Christa Pitts and Chanda Bell launch the best-selling holiday book in 2004, the UGA Small Business Development Center has continued to provide support and guidance to the Kennesaw-based company. “The Elf on the […]

Small Business Owner’s Checklist for Year-End

Posted by Emily Ambrose
On November 15, 2017

Making the Dream a Reality

Posted by Ashley Panter
On November 3, 2017

If you’re a college football fan, you can’t deny the success of Coach Kirby Smart in just year two of his tenure at Georgia. Not many people would think to look to Kirby for inspiration, but football coaches and small business owners have a lot in common. Both professions require leadership, dedication, commitment and a […]

Guidance Through Loan Process Helps Metro Atlanta Restaurateur Triple His Locations

Posted by Ashley Panter
On October 4, 2017

Diego Velasquez had worked in Georgia’s restaurant industry more than 14 years – moving up to district manager for a major chain – when he opened his first Tacos and Tequilas Mexican Grill in Buckhead with his savings and the support of family and friends in 2010. Diego Velasquez had worked in Georgia’s restaurant industry more […]

Strategically Grown: Operational Assessment First Step to Optimizing Expansion of Atlanta Gelato Business

Posted by Sara Bertolini
On August 28, 2017

Wes Jones and Jackson Smith grew up as best friends in their north Atlanta neighborhood. At some point, says Jones, “we thought it would be fun to start a business together when we got older.” Maintaining their friendship through college, they went on to jobs in education, for Jones, and gelato production, for Smith, who […]

Strategy In Action: What’s Your Plan?

Posted by Sara Bertolini
On August 25, 2017

If you had your own sports team, would it be okay with you if the players only showed up on game day? Do you go on vacation by jumping in the car and setting off randomly? These questions are slightly ridiculous, but many business owners do the equivalent with their business planning. Some may have […]

Posted by Ashley Panter
On August 21, 2017

Richie Grantham first came to the UGA SBDC in Columbus in 2008. He had purchased Sunshine Banners and Signs and was seeking guidance on how to best structure this business and prepare it for growth. The SBDC’s GrowSmart program was accepting applications, so Grantham applied and was accepted. After attending the five-week program, Grantham learned […]

I-85 Collapse & Risk Management Strategies for Small Business

Posted by Stacy Johnson
On June 21, 2017

After the I-85 collapse last month I began thinking about how lack of planning is causing a big headache for Atlanta commuters. Many funny cartoons and videos have been making the rounds on social media and it is good for a quick laugh. But long term the implications of not having a risk management plan […]

Entrepreneurship: 5 Critical Success Factors

Posted by Stacy Johnson
On June 19, 2017

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Do you have what it takes to own your own business? Below are 5 critical success factors every entrepreneur should have to successfully run their own business. Sacrifice – Are you willing to sacrifice short term to benefit in the long term? Don’t be fooled into […]

Planning Your Business

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