Through strategic guidance from the UGA SBDC, senior care entrepreneurs Ciera and Arthur Raven grew a startup into a multi county employer, increased revenue by 400% and completed a successful business sale. Their journey demonstrates the impact of sustained small business support in Georgia’s communities.
Big growth often starts with the right partner. For hotel owner Neil Patel, the UGA SBDC provided the insights and financial expertise that allowed him to secure funding, renovate aging properties and expand across Georgia. Discover the full story behind his remarkable journey.
What started as a weekend bagel buggy is now a thriving NYC-style bagel shop in Chamblee. With guidance from the UGA Small Business Development Center, Bronx Bagel Buggy grew from farmers markets to a $1.2M business and earned the title of “Best Bagel in Georgia for two years in a row.
Navigating international trade is complex even for experienced exporters. Atlanta-based Garson & Shaw, a global supplier of secondhand clothing, partnered with the UGA SBDC to strengthen compliance, expand market intelligence, and build connections that support sustainable commerce worldwide.
When an unexpected opportunity to buy a business landed in Trey Neely’s lap, he had the technical skills—but not the know-how to navigate a complex acquisition. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, Neely turned that challenge into a success story, growing his company by 43% and doubling its workforce in just two years.
Dustin Mullis turned his dream of owning a Zaxbys® franchise into a multi-store operation generating millions in revenue and employing over 300 people. With expert guidance from the UGA SBDC, Mullis navigated site selection, financing, and strategic growth—ultimately selling seven stores and launching a new location.
Rally Point Grille isn’t just serving meals, it’s serving a mission. Learn how Marine veterans Ralph and Carrie Roeger turned their vision into a thriving, multi-location business that honors service and fosters connection. With strategic guidance from the UGA SBDC, they’ve grown their impact and expanded across Georgia.
Darius Thomas, founder of Atlanta-based Dynamic Therapy, turned a local speech-language pathology practice into a multi-state operation with help from the UGA SBDC. Through expert financial planning, marketing strategy, and workforce development support, Thomas more than doubled his revenue and grown his team from six to 26 employees.
Kendrick and Abelardo Maradiaga, the father-and-son team behind A&B Commercial Construction, secured $1.3 million in financing to purchase their first commercial property with expert guidance from the UGA SBDC. Their story is a powerful example of how strategic support can help small businesses scale with confidence.
When Bianca Pope launched Golden Isles Family Healthcare, she had the clinical expertise but needed help navigating the business side. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, she transformed her vision into a thriving medical practice. Learn how strategic support fuels sustainable growth and empowers entrepreneurs to lead with confidence and clarity.
Gary and Dionn Lanton turned their passion for barbecue into a thriving business with help from the UGA SBDC. From launching Holy Smokes BBQ to acquiring Lou Ann’s Biscuits and Burgers, the UGA SBDC guided them through financial planning, marketing, and business acquisition, helping them triple revenue and grow their team.
For nearly 60 years, Cooper Machine Company in Wadley, Ga. has built top-tier sawmill, pallet, and cooperage equipment for customers across the U.S. and abroad.. Now led by CEO Frances Cooper, the family business turned to the UGA SBDC hiring the skilled labor it needed to grow.
Atlanta’s CountiFi is using AI to solve a major problem in the airline industry: inventory waste. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, Founder David Hailey refined its investor pitch, doubled revenue, and expanded into new sectors like healthcare.
Stewart Ward turned a college lawn care gig into Quality Outdoors—a multimillion-dollar landscaping business serving four states. With expert guidance from the UGA SBDC, Ward scaled operations, built a strong team, and earned recognition as Georgia’s 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
Every latte, every plate, and every antique detail at Fellows Cafe in Roswell, Georgia is a masterpiece of hospitality. With help from the UGA SBDC, Christina and Tony DeVictor turned their creative vision into business success – growing sales by 87% and launching a new market concept, From the Well.
