From Model to Medical Practice

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 […]

SBDC Training Shows Columbus Businessman Several Best Practices for Growth

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Terry Wiggins had worked his way up to district manager of a major insurance firm when it was purchased in 1996, and the new company wanted him to move. Rather than leave his beloved Columbus community, he purchased a small local agency with one agent and two part-time employees, renamed it Wiggins Insurance and quickly […]

What Business Can Learn from Pokemom GO

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pokemon GO is the new internet phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. While I was on vacation last week I downloaded the app to play with my 13-year-old daughter. I confess that I have never played a game on my smartphone before, so why now? I admit I was a little curious as […]

Grow Your Business Like a Seasoned CEO

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Whether in business for two years or twenty years, many small business owners are so busy working IN their business, they neglect working ON their business. (What the heck does that even mean? Work IN your business or ON your business??!) When you are working IN your business, you’re focusing on day-to-day tasks and reacting to the daily […]

Are you a Grasshopper or an Ant?

A favorite of mine is the story of The Grasshopper and The Ant. If you do not recall, the premise of the fable is that the Grasshopper is enjoying the summer day, hopping, chirping and singing away when the Ant passes by, working away, storing food. The Grasshopper asks the Ant why it is working so hard when everything is so easy, foods plentiful, and states that the Ant should be enjoying the sunshine. The Ant replies that he is planning for the winter, by continuing to work when everything was going well. Of course, winter comes and the Ant is well prepared while the Grasshopper is out in the cold, starving. The moral of the story is:

Business Essentials Steer Cumming Auto Parts Company into the Fast Lane

Concept One Small Business Development Center

Brothers Kevin and Randy Redd make Ford and Chevy street cars both fast and “fly.” Their uniquely designed Concept One high performance pulley systems mount on an engine and drive all of its belts, improving power and maximizing performance. In 2001 they began selling their systems and other product lines to hot rod muscle car […]

Passion for Pets Pays Off

Pawtropolis in Athens, GA

Crook acquired the loan and opened her business. About five years later, she approached McDonell for help obtaining a $1 million SBA 504 loan, which she used to purchase land and build the first Pawtropolis. Five years after that, with 25 employees and trainers, an award-winning business and a facility filled to capacity, Crook again turned to the SBDC. After attending the GrowSmart™ program, she asked McDonell to help her create projections for a $2.2 million loan she received and will use to build a second, larger facility on land she had purchased.