Training

Build your dream to withstand the test of time with SBDC StartSMART™
Owning a small business is the cornerstone of the American economy. Building your business to
withstand the test of time requires a unique set of tools. SBDC StartSmart™ provides
the resources, support, and motivation to put your dream within reach.

NO COST TO ATTEND THIS PROGRAM. REGISTER TODAY. 

Learn about projects funded by H.B. 170, understand how our business can become eligible to apply for Maintenance Projects with GDOT, meet district officials, learn about DOAS, and more. 

Registration is Required.

Interested in gov't contracting? Check out a class right after this free program: INTRO TO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING AND SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATION

Routine Maintenance Contracting:

Learn how to qualify with Georgia DOT
• Application Process
• Local Projects & Invitations to Bid


Service Categories Include:
• Landscaping, Highway Mowing, Tree Cutting
• Sign & Component Structures Maintenance
• Fencing, Barricades, Handrail Maintenance
• Sweeping & Storm Drain Cleaning
• Concrete & Portland Cement Paving Maintenance
• And more!

REGISTER TODAY. 

Are you ready for government contracting?

Learn how to gain a strategic foothold in public sector procurement and how certifications can help. The UGA SBDC looks at federal contracting for small business as an example.

Registration is Required.

Interested in working with the gov't? Check out the FREE class right before this free program: DOING BUSINESS WITH GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Routine Maintenance Contracting:

Learn how to qualify with Georgia DOT
• Application Process
• Local Projects & Invitations to Bid


Service Categories Include:
• Landscaping, Highway Mowing, Tree Cutting
• Sign & Component Structures Maintenance
• Fencing, Barricades, Handrail Maintenance
• Sweeping & Storm Drain Cleaning
• Concrete & Portland Cement Paving Maintenance
• And more!

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Gain practical knowledge of all generations in the workforce: Silent and Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z/Post-Millennials, Identify your DiSC Personality Profile, Understand how your DiSC Personality Profile is best utilized in the workforce, Learn how to work with other Personality Profiles

Located on the 7th Floor, Conference Room Suite 705

Located on the 7th Floor, Conference Room Suite 705

Located on the 7th Floor, Conference Room Suite 705

Check-in begins at 8:30am.  Class begins at 9:00am.  This class is provided through the generous support of the SunTrust Foundation.

Located on the 7th Floor, Conference Room Suite 705

For those interested in starting a business or recently started. Join us for a 1-hour question and answer session with an experienced UGA SBDC business consultant. 

This is a free event. 

1-2pm Q&A (English)
2-3pm Mini-Consultations (by appointment only) 

For SPANISH SPEAKERS interested in starting a business or recently started. Join us for a 1-hour question and answer session with an experienced UGA SBDC business consultant. 

This is a free event. 

4-5pm Q&A (Spanish)  

Log in instructions will be emailed after online registration is completed.

Board Room (14th Floor Commerce Bldg.)

 

Understanding what a lender will ask and need from you is the first step to obtaining funding.  Are you ready?  How do you know if you are ready?  Here is a quick test:  Below is a list of a few terms the lender will use during the loan process.  Do you have a good understanding of the terms and what the lender’s requirement of each are?

Equity Injection
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Debt-to-Income
Global Cash Flow
Credit Score
Total Project Cost
Collateral
If your answer is no, then this is the class for you!  The objective of this 1-hour workshop is to help participants gain a better and more clear understanding of what lenders look for when potential borrowers are seeking a loan.  Don’t wait.  Seats are limited!  Sign up today.

COST: No fee though registration is required.
LOCATION: Cunningham Conference Center, Downstairs Training Room, 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA  31907

For more information, call 706-569-2651 or email columbus@georgiasbdc.org

Located on the 7th Floor, Conference Room Suite 705

In this course, students learn how to evaluate financial statements and interpret the data in a way that can improve decision-making. Based on reports, they gain experience predicting future business trends and planning budgets accordingly.  The course will take a deeper dive in the CPA/Bookkeeper P&L reporting.  

The class will discuss:

•	Profit – gross and net
•	Expense control management
•	Balance sheet review – Levering assets
•	Statement of Cash Flow – why is this the most important statement?
•	Simple ratios – ratios to understand what my business is doing?

Through classroom lecture and real statement examples, attendees learn tried and true methods to assist in understanding their financial statements and how to interpret what their business in doing.  Class will be given tools to use in their businesses. 

This event will focus on the advance preparation vendors need to put in place in order to qualify for government emergency support contracts. By attending, vendors will learn how to become “procurement ready” well before agencies like FEMA need to purchase disaster recovery supplies and services.

Registration opens at 7:30am. Breakfast is included. Check out the class immediately after this one: "Doing Business with UGA" http://www.georgiasbdc.org/training/?center=athens

Registration opens at 7:30am. Breakfast is included. Check out the class immediately after this one: "Doing Business with UGA" http://www.georgiasbdc.org/training/?center=athens

Check-in begins at 8:30am.  Class from 9:00am to Noon.  This class is co-sponsored by the Savannah Regional Film Commission and SEDA.

Program hosted by the UGA SBDC at Georgia State University and the UGA SBDC in DeKalb:

UGA SBDC at Georgia State University
(404) 413-7830
atlanta@georgiasbdc.org

UGA SBDC in DeKalb
(770) 414-3110
dekalb@georgiasbdc.org

Understanding what a lender will ask and need from you is the first step to obtaining funding.  Are you ready?  How do you know if you are ready?  Here is a quick test:  Below is a list of a few terms the lender will use during the loan process.  Do you have a good understanding of the terms and what the lender’s requirement of each are?

Equity Injection
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Debt-to-Income
Global Cash Flow
Credit Score
Total Project Cost
Collateral
If your answer is no, then this is the class for you!  The objective of this 1-hour workshop is to help participants gain a better and more clear understanding of what lenders look for when potential borrowers are seeking a loan.  Don’t wait.  Seats are limited!  Sign up today.

COST: No fee though registration is required.
LOCATION: Cunningham Conference Center, Downstairs Training Room, 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA  31907

For more information, call 706-569-2651 or email columbus@georgiasbdc.org

The Starting A Business course covers important tools and resources a business owner needs to establish a solid foundation during its early formative years.

Topics for discussion include:

Personal Traits of an Entrepreneur
Marketing Analysis
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Technology for Your Business
Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
Financial and Money Management
Basics of Business Plan Preparation
Who should attend: Startups (businesses less than 2 years old)

Course materials provided.

If you are considering starting a small business, then this workshop is a crucial first step. Since lack of planning is one of the main reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop maybe one of the most important decisions you make before opening your business. Topics for discussion include; is my business idea feasible, financing your business, operating legally, building your team and pulling it all together. Handout information will be provided.

Ready, Aim, Fire! (BEGINNER) is a program is designed to help business owners better focus their marketing efforts and expenditures by accurately identifying their specific target customers and cost-effectively communicating to them through social media.

KEY ELEMENTS OF TRAINING:

How to identify target client
Where to find market research
Which social media channels are appropriate to communicate with targets
How to create an effective post
When it is appropriate to spend money on advertising
How to use filters to reach potential customers

**Chamber members receive $10 discount. CALL FOR CODE.

Register here to attend BOTH Ready, Aim, Fire! for beginner and intermediate levels. Lunch is included and scheduled for 12pm-1pm

**Chamber members receive $10 discount. CALL FOR CODE. 

At Ready, Aim, Fire! (INTERMEDIATE), you will learn how to make the most of your time and money using social media. For those who are ready to take the next steps, we will go into details of posting and budgeting.


KEY ELEMENTS OF TRAINING:

Determine your social media marketing budget
Practice writing an ad
Walk through a social media marketing case study
Set up a no cost, confidential consultation to obtain market research and create a strategy

**Chamber members receive $10 discount. CALL FOR CODE.

Join us for our 3rd Annual Wine Business Conference in the heart of North Georgia wine country! Details about sessions and speakers coming soon. 

Understanding what a lender will ask and need from you is the first step to obtaining funding.  Are you ready?  How do you know if you are ready?  Here is a quick test:  Below is a list of a few terms the lender will use during the loan process.  Do you have a good understanding of the terms and what the lender’s requirement of each are?

Equity Injection
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Debt-to-Income
Global Cash Flow
Credit Score
Total Project Cost
Collateral
If your answer is no, then this is the class for you!  The objective of this 1-hour workshop is to help participants gain a better and more clear understanding of what lenders look for when potential borrowers are seeking a loan.  Don’t wait.  Seats are limited!  Sign up today.

COST: No fee though registration is required.
LOCATION: Cunningham Conference Center, Downstairs Training Room, 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA  31907

For more information, call 706-569-2651 or email columbus@georgiasbdc.org

Located on the 7th Floor, Conference Room Suite 705

Located on the 7th Floor, Conference Room Suite 705

This seminar is a must for anyone that will be preparing or is currently preparing responses to government contracting opportunities. Topics to be discussed include: contract types, budgets, fixed and variable costs, overheads, general and administrative (G&A) costs, and profit.

If you are considering starting a small business, then this workshop is a crucial first step. Since lack of planning is one of the main reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop maybe one of the most important decisions you make before opening your business. Topics for discussion include; is my business idea feasible, financing your business, operating legally, building your team and pulling it all together. Handout information will be provided.

Understanding what a lender will ask and need from you is the first step to obtaining funding.  Are you ready?  How do you know if you are ready?  Here is a quick test:  Below is a list of a few terms the lender will use during the loan process.  Do you have a good understanding of the terms and what the lender’s requirement of each are?

Equity Injection
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Debt-to-Income
Global Cash Flow
Credit Score
Total Project Cost
Collateral
If your answer is no, then this is the class for you!  The objective of this 1-hour workshop is to help participants gain a better and more clear understanding of what lenders look for when potential borrowers are seeking a loan.  Don’t wait.  Seats are limited!  Sign up today.

COST: No fee though registration is required.
LOCATION: Cunningham Conference Center, Downstairs Training Room, 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA  31907

For more information, call 706-569-2651 or email columbus@georgiasbdc.org

The seminar provides an overview of Mentor-Protégé programs that exist in many federal agencies to help small businesses gain technical and business skills from large prime contractors. Information will be provided that enables attendees to understand the Mentor-Protégé programs landscape along with the details and application criteria for various programs.

Understanding what a lender will ask and need from you is the first step to obtaining funding.  Are you ready?  How do you know if you are ready?  Here is a quick test:  Below is a list of a few terms the lender will use during the loan process.  Do you have a good understanding of the terms and what the lender’s requirement of each are?

Equity Injection
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Debt-to-Income
Global Cash Flow
Credit Score
Total Project Cost
Collateral
If your answer is no, then this is the class for you!  The objective of this 1-hour workshop is to help participants gain a better and more clear understanding of what lenders look for when potential borrowers are seeking a loan.  Don’t wait.  Seats are limited!  Sign up today.

COST: No fee though registration is required.
LOCATION: Cunningham Conference Center, Downstairs Training Room, 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA  31907

For more information, call 706-569-2651 or email columbus@georgiasbdc.org

For those interested in starting a business or recently started. Join us for a 1-hour question and answer session with an experienced UGA SBDC business consultant. 

This is a free event. 

1-2pm Q&A (English)
2-3pm Mini-Consultations (by appointment only) 

For SPANISH SPEAKERS interested in starting a business or recently started. Join us for a 1-hour question and answer session with an experienced UGA SBDC business consultant. 

This is a free event. 

4-5pm Q&A (Spanish)  

Price is per company, multiple attendees from same company welcome.

The Starting A Business course covers important tools and resources a business owner needs to establish a solid foundation during its early formative years.

Topics for discussion include:

Personal Traits of an Entrepreneur
Marketing Analysis
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Technology for Your Business
Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
Financial and Money Management
Basics of Business Plan Preparation
Who should attend: Startups (businesses less than 2 years old)

Course materials provided.

Check out the class immediately before this one: "Intro to Federal Contracting & Small Business Certifications" http://www.georgiasbdc.org/training/?center=athens

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Gain practical knowledge of all generations in the workforce: Silent and Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z/Post-Millennials, Identify your DiSC Personality Profile, Understand how your DiSC Personality Profile is best utilized in the workforce, Learn how to work with other Personality Profiles

Registration opens at 7:30am. Breakfast is included. Check out the class immediately after this one: "Doing Business with UGA" http://www.georgiasbdc.org/training/?center=athens

If you are considering starting a small business, then this workshop is a crucial first step. Since lack of planning is one of the main reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop maybe one of the most important decisions you make before opening your business. Topics for discussion include; is my business idea feasible, financing your business, operating legally, building your team and pulling it all together. Handout information will be provided.

Evaluate & refine your business concept
Improve your knowledge of business concepts
Research markets and competition
Develop a financial forecast to improve chances of success
Develop a thorough, practical business plan
On-going consulting from SBDC professionals keeps you on track

Understanding what a lender will ask and need from you is the first step to obtaining funding.  Are you ready?  How do you know if you are ready?  Here is a quick test:  Below is a list of a few terms the lender will use during the loan process.  Do you have a good understanding of the terms and what the lender’s requirement of each are?

Equity Injection
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Debt-to-Income
Global Cash Flow
Credit Score
Total Project Cost
Collateral
If your answer is no, then this is the class for you!  The objective of this 1-hour workshop is to help participants gain a better and more clear understanding of what lenders look for when potential borrowers are seeking a loan.  Don’t wait.  Seats are limited!  Sign up today.

COST: No fee though registration is required.
LOCATION: Cunningham Conference Center, Downstairs Training Room, 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA  31907

For more information, call 706-569-2651 or email columbus@georgiasbdc.org

Understanding what a lender will ask and need from you is the first step to obtaining funding.  Are you ready?  How do you know if you are ready?  Here is a quick test:  Below is a list of a few terms the lender will use during the loan process.  Do you have a good understanding of the terms and what the lender’s requirement of each are?

Equity Injection
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
Debt-to-Income
Global Cash Flow
Credit Score
Total Project Cost
Collateral
If your answer is no, then this is the class for you!  The objective of this 1-hour workshop is to help participants gain a better and more clear understanding of what lenders look for when potential borrowers are seeking a loan.  Don’t wait.  Seats are limited!  Sign up today.

COST: No fee though registration is required.
LOCATION: Cunningham Conference Center, Downstairs Training Room, 3100 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA  31907

For more information, call 706-569-2651 or email columbus@georgiasbdc.org

Go to https://www.georgiasbdc.org/growsmart for complete program description.  Early bird discounts available.  Application must be completed to be considered for discount and acceptance.  

The Starting A Business course covers important tools and resources a business owner needs to establish a solid foundation during its early formative years.

Topics for discussion include:

Personal Traits of an Entrepreneur
Marketing Analysis
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Technology for Your Business
Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics
Financial and Money Management
Basics of Business Plan Preparation
Who should attend: Startups (businesses less than 2 years old)

Course materials provided.

If you are considering starting a small business, then this workshop is a crucial first step. Since lack of planning is one of the main reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop maybe one of the most important decisions you make before opening your business. Topics for discussion include; is my business idea feasible, financing your business, operating legally, building your team and pulling it all together. Handout information will be provided.

Learn about projects funded by H.B. 170, understand how our business can become eligible to apply for Maintenance Projects with
GDOT, meet district officials, learn about DOAS, and more. 

No Cost to attend. Registration is required,