University of Georgia Small Business Development Center

Faced with a pivotal decision early in his career as a small business owner, Eric Williams sought out the guidance of The University of Georgia. Thanks to his partnership with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, Williams was able to take advantage of a prime opportunity that launched his business, Unified Defense, to a new level. Since it opened in 2016, Unified Defense has doubled its revenue each year and grown from eight employees to 80. In 2022, Williams purchased Prince Service & Mfg. and both his companies have grown tremendously. In April, the U.S. Small Business Administration named Williams Georgia’s 2024 Small Business Person of the Year. “The network and knowledge the UGA SBDC has available to help small businesses, free of charge, is so valuable for any stage of business,” said Williams. Click the link below to read more about the role the UGA SBDC has played in Williams’ success. #UGAserves

The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) works with small business owners and entrepreneurs across Georgia, providing the tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. When Erin Haskins, owner of Southern Therapy Solutions in Valdosta, faced the challenges of a growing business, she turned to the UGA SBDC for assistance. Through the UGA SBDC, Haskins gained knowledge in important areas of her business, like human resources, marketing and administrative processes. Building a relationship with the SBDC has been vital to the growth of Southern Therapy Solutions. And that’s important to Haskins, who wants to use her business to enhance her community. “I would recommend the UGA SBDC to any small business owner,” said Haskins. Click the link below to listen to more of Haskins’ story. #UGAserves

Congratulations to two of our business consultants, Matthew O. in Columbus and Loy Cowart (Chase) in Savannah, for being recognized as America's SBDC's '40 Under 40' recipients! This annual award spotlights the extraordinary contributions of individuals across the SBDC network who have significantly impacted their state and the broader business landscape. Oleson and Cowart were among the 40 chosen from the pool of applicants for their exceptional business knowledge, innovative thinking and commitment to driving growth and success of small businesses. 🎉 Photo: Matthew Oleson (left); Tee Rowe - President/CEO, America's SBDC, (center); Chase Cowart (right)

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has begun collecting responses to this year’s Small Business Credit Survey. By taking the survey, business owners and leaders contribute to data that directly informs the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefitting their business and other businesses like theirs. You can help by taking the survey today! The survey closes November 1, 2024.

Building a successful business takes the right tools AND a lot of hard work. 🛠 The SBDC StartSmart program will equip you to be successful. Developed by a team of our business experts, this program will guide you through the steps of setting your business on the path to long-term success. https://lnkd.in/ewTzTFqK

For the 11th consecutive year, Georgia has been ranked by Area Development as the No. 1 State for Doing Business in 2024! Read more: https://lnkd.in/eSgRPsCF

Fall is right around the corner and so are our upcoming Women's Business Summits! 🍂 Join us at one of our Summits and hear from successful female entrepreneurs and small business owners, with advice and encouragement on growing your own business. Register now: https://lnkd.in/ec_CUzx4

The next round of the SBDC StartSmart program, designed for new businesses or businesses less than 2 years old, begins April 22, 2024. This 4-week program will set your business on the path to success. 💪

Carolina Ramon, our director of specialty programs, received the prestigious Walter B. Hill Award at the UGA Public Service & Outreach annual meeting. 🎉 The award recognizes the distinguished achievements by public service faculty who have contributed to a better quality of life for the people of Georgia. We are proud to have Carolina as part of the UGA SBDC team! Her commitment to serving Georgia's business owners and her leadership across our speciality programs makes a positive impact across the state. Thank you, Carolina!

We're grateful for Regions Bank's support of Georgia small businesses!