After leaving corporate America to pursue a passion for wellness, Charmaine Gibbs-West built EssenceTree into a nationally distributed beauty and wellness brand. With support from the UGA SBDC, the company expanded into approximately 400 Walmart stores and continues to reach new markets.

Turning a vision into a sustainable, growing business takes more than passion. It takes planning, strategy, and the right support. When Southern Savvy Med Spa founders Britney Exum and Kristie Parrish prepared to launch the first medical spa in Colquitt County, they partnered with the UGA SBDC to navigate business planning, financial management, hiring, and expansion. Today, Southern Savvy operates two locations, employs 13 people, and serves clients throughout southwest Georgia.

A strong business plan can be the difference between an idea and a thriving enterprise. With support from the UGA Small Business Development Center, business partners Steve Jackson and Kenny Woodham secured financing for a $2.1 million meat processing facility that helped grow Sowega Meat Co.’s sales by 567% in its first year and create 15 new jobs.

For more than two decades, David Douglas Diamonds & Jewelry has partnered with the UGA SBDC to make critical business decisions, from relocation and expansion to succession planning. Today, the family-owned company has increased sales six-fold and is preparing for a successful leadership transition to its next generation. Read how a trusted advisory relationship helped secure the future of a nearly 100-year-old business.

A chance connection through SelectCobb’s Business Walks Program led to transformational growth for Perimeter Floors. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, the company strengthened its strategic planning, enhanced financial management, expanded leadership development, and achieved impressive results: 12% sales growth, 34% gross profit growth, and seven new full-time jobs in just one year.

Successful Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is more than a dental practice—it’s a community resource dedicated to helping children feel valued, supported, and confident. See how the UGA SBDC helped this Ellenwood business grow its impact.

From a farmhouse blog to three thriving cafés, All the Fixin’s proves that small beginnings can lead to big growth. With guidance from the UGA SBDC, founder Janna Tucker achieved 200% growth and built a team of 30+ employees across southeast Georgia.

When two sisters launched an in-home, non-medical home care franchise to better serve families like their own, demand quickly followed. With strategic coaching from the UGA SBDC, Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care in LaGrange built the systems needed to scale—nearly tripling revenue, expanding staff, and earning top statewide and local awards while keeping quality care at the center of their mission.

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) has released the 2026 edition of “Small Business and Its Impact on Georgia.” This annual publication provides key data on Georgia’s 1.4 million small businesses and takes a closer look at industry trends in Atlanta and South Georgia.

When Griffin Thomas saw an opportunity to expand his business, TopLine Lawncare and Landscaping, he knew he needed guidance. With UGA SBDC support, he secured financing, improved financial management, and expanded into a new facility—fueling 24% revenue growth and earning SBA Georgia Young Entrepreneur of the Year honors.

Chrissy Miner—owner and principal of The Miner Agency—leveraged the UGA Small Business Development Center to strengthen operations, expand into government contracting, earn key federal certifications, and grow her company into a seven-figure business.