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Full Knowledge of Funding Options Helps Launch New Macon Brewpub

“I found out that Josh and the SBDC were resources small businesses could use, for free. I thought, ‘Wow, here’s a guy who’s like an extension of my staff. Why wouldn’t I go to him?’ We got to talking, and he told me about the financing, market analysis and other help he could provide.”

Strong Financials Realize Vision for Clarkston Educational Center Owner

Alex Cesar knew from an early age that she’d run a school. Inspired by her grandmother, a principal, Alex would sometimes join her in the classroom. She eventually taught special education in the public schools, but felt stuck in the system. “I always had a vision of running a child-care center that would emphasize learning, […]

Funding Options for New or Young Farmers

For many young farmers there is a deep desire to grow their farming operation, however, most are faced with the challenge of getting financing. Young farmers that are just getting into the business have not had time to build a lot of equity. Because of this, banks will consider the young farmer to be riskier compared to a seasoned farmer. One of the many variables banks will consider is how well the farmer can manage their working capital, and without a history of that from operations, it’s more difficult for a bank to determine the likelihood of repayment. Today, with low commodity prices and smaller margins between expense and revenue, young farmers are exposed to tough decisions and banks are tightening their internal lending policies. Despite this, there are still many opportunities for the young farmer.

Careful Pre-Planning Helps Complex Industrial Business Secure an SBA Loan

Rod Meyer had worked in Minneapolis 25 years with the market-leading industrial x-ray imaging equipment company, rising to vice president of sales and leading a tenfold increase in capital sales, before the company was sold and narrowed its product line. “The new company decided to focus on standard x-ray imaging systems. This decision opened an […]

SBDC Clients Earns 2016 Small Business Person of the Year

Catherine Downey, CATMEDIA

Catherine Downey didn’t find an easy way to success. She did find what works: hard work and dedication to a vision. Catherine Downey started her first business with “a pen and a legal pad” so she could work at home after her first child was born. Today, she has four grown children and one of the fastest growing companies in Atlanta. She’s also garnered a hard-earned honor: she […]

Market Research Eases Expansion for Midtown Atlanta Industrial Firm

Dhiren Patel is a seasoned business owner. An electrical engineer who started his career in the innovative AT&T Bell Labs, his first solo venture was AmTech Electronics India Limited, which he launched in India in 1991. When he decided to expand into the U.S. market, he and his family moved to Atlanta and opened an […]

Can You Raise Money through Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding in Georgia

Although there have been many successes, there is a lot of misunderstanding out there about how crowdfunding may help small businesses. If you are considering crowdfunding, here are some ways to improve your chance of success. See a CPA and attorney Crowdfunding is not free money. The crowd typically gets a “perk” for their contributions. […]