Why StartSMART and GrowSMART? The Value of Business Training
A guy I used to work with in public safety, Steve Mattoon, used to say, “In a critical situation, we do not rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.” That statement is as true in law enforcement and the military as it is in running a small […]
Financial Future Secure for Ellijay Family Orchard
Ellijay farmer John Reece can see the house he grew up in from the Apple House at his Ellijay business, BJ Reece Orchards. John and his wife Rachel have grown the business his father started with 30 acres into a popular 130-acre agribusiness attraction known for its “world-famous” fried apple pies, so named by their […]
Strategic Planning Tools for Sustainable Success | April 10th |
“If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.” It’s no wonder why many small businesses still struggle to grow, considering these statistics: 95% of a typical workforce doesn’t understand its organization’s strategy 90% of organizations fail to execute their strategies successfully 86% of executive teams spend less than one hour per […]
Five-Step Operating Plan for the New Year
In December many businesses find themselves busy with year-end sales and shipments, holiday parties, tax and inventory considerations, and many other priorities. Finding a little time to plan for the New Year can put you in control in 2018. Create an operating plan now to map out the priorities for 2018. Many small business owners […]
Guidance Through Loan Process Helps Metro Atlanta Restaurateur Triple His Locations
Diego Velasquez had worked in Georgia’s restaurant industry more than 14 years – moving up to district manager for a major chain – when he opened his first Tacos and Tequilas Mexican Grill in Buckhead with his savings and the support of family and friends in 2010. “I had decided that if I can open […]
Careful Planning Gives Award-Winning Savannah Dessert Bar Owners Room to Expand
From their beginning, Janine Finn and Rebecca Radovich had the right ingredients for a successful dessert enterprise, mixing Finn’s solid business experience with Radovich’s creative food and catering expertise. Starting small with an online cake business in 2006, the business partners quickly decided to sell their confections out of a storefront in downtown Savannah. “We […]
How to Choose the Best Suppliers for Your Business
When you think about your business and its success, are you also thinking about who your suppliers will be and what part they will play in the success of your business? If you aren’t, then you should be. In a successful business, the bottom line is sales. The right suppliers play an important part in […]
A Time to Prepare…
As we enter this holiday season, preparing your family, your business, for the unexpected might not exactly be top of mind. This time of year traditionally brings with it thoughts of the holidays, festive gatherings with family and friends, celebrations, and gift buying. The holiday season doesn’t normally stimulate one to think, ‘What if…’ for emergency […]