A Lifetime Learner Thrives with UGA SBDC

James Guzman was no stranger to entrepreneurship when he began working with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC). Decades before starting his own business, Guzman already had the drive to own his own business, cleaning cars and selling candy in his Miami neighborhood. When his parents passed away, he had to […]

2023 UGA SBDC Award Winners

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center recognized 2023 award winners and sponsors during their annual conference on March 11, 2024.

“The recipients of these awards excel in their work with the business community, program development and representation of the UGA SBDC program,” said Allan Adams, state director. “We’re grateful for their contributions to our organization and are proud to recognize them for their efforts.”

Lawn care company exceeds yearly projections with help from SBDC

  Kyle Flanagan’s roots are in lawn care – the Florida native started mowing lawns in his parents’ neighborhood when he was just 11. He moved to Athens in 2002 to attend the University of Georgia and worked for a regional chem-lawn company to pay for tuition.   As he built connections in the community […]

StillFire and UGA SBDC Ignite Brewing Success

Putting UGA SBDC Resources to Use Law school opens the door to many possibilities. While sitting in his law school classes at the University of Georgia, Aaron Bisges, general manager at StillFire Brewing, never dreamed one of those possibilities would be opening a brewery after graduation. He worked at bars and restaurants throughout law school […]

Innovative Fitness Solutions in Kennesaw

GrowSmart® Training Aids Owner’s Strategic Focus   Like relay runners passing a baton, fitness experts Chris and Melissa Conti moved nine times during the first 10 years of their marriage to work in the industry. Within two years of relocating to Atlanta, they found themselves facing another move. The company Chris had joined was going out of business. […]

UGA SBDC Teamwork Aids Lula Business Owner in Two Major Ventures

Pest Control Insulation & Tallulah Adventures Long Term Relationship with UGA SBDC Helps Pest Control Insulation Grow Bill Turk created his business and patented technology – thermal acoustical pest control insulation (TAP®) –because of opportunities unique to Georgia, including his work with the Gainesville office of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA […]

Trust, then Verify: CPA Values Well-Researched Second Opinion Prior to Purchasing Firm

Augusta accountant Lisa Mayo is familiar with the variety of resources the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center has at its disposal, as she is one of those resources. She frequently serves as a tax panelist and QuickBooks expert for its SBDC StartSMART™ courses. Mayo, a CPA and CVA, or certified valuation analyst, believes […]

2019 SBDC GrowSMART Augusta

September 10, 2019 – Need a step-by-step evaluation of your business? Your markets?  Need tools to build your business now and in the future? GrowSMART™ is for you…coming in September 2019 to Augusta.  Application and acceptance required. Combined with long term one-on-one consulting with SBDC professionals, learn to apply course principles and build a business […]