Georgia businesses are thriving like never before, thanks to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC). With unmatched growth and success in 2024, this program is proving to be a transformative force for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state.
Surpassing Expectations: UGA SBDC Clients Excel
When it comes to growth, UGA SBDC clients are setting the pace. Businesses that worked with the center in 2024 achieved milestones far beyond those of the average Georgia enterprise.
- Business Survivability: A recent three-year study found that 76% of UGA SBDC-assisted businesses survived their first three years. This stands in stark contrast to the statewide average of just 59%.
- Sales and Jobs: The numbers speak for themselves. UGA SBDC clients saw four times the sales growth and seven times the employment growth compared to their peers.
This performance isn’t a fluke—it’s the result of consistent, data-backed support tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by small businesses.
Five Years of Transformative Impact
The last five years reveal an even more compelling picture of the UGA SBDC’s influence. Businesses guided by the center have accomplished the following:
- 2,182 startups launched
- 15,514 new jobs created
- $9.5 billion in total sales generated
- $1.25 billion in capital secured
These figures underscore how deeply the SBDC has embedded itself into Georgia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing more than just advice—it’s offering a lifeline.
A Range of Services to Propel Growth
What’s driving these extraordinary outcomes? UGA SBDC’s offerings extend well beyond the basics, including no-cost consulting services, educational programs, and hands-on assistance in securing funding and discovering growth opportunities.
In fiscal year 2024 alone:
- 4,836 clients received free, personalized consulting.
- 4,323 Georgians participated in educational workshops and training programs.
The center equips business owners with the tools they need to navigate challenges, scale operations, and make strategic decisions that lead to sustained success.
What Makes UGA SBDC Stand Out?
One of the most notable aspects of the UGA SBDC is its ability to make a tangible difference in both numbers and lives. Unlike generic business resources, the center’s approach is personal and impactful.
A closer look at its success formula reveals a combination of:
- Experienced Advisors: Professionals with real-world expertise.
- Customized Guidance: Tailored solutions for businesses of every size and stage.
- Community Connection: Strong ties to local and state networks.
Clients often highlight how the center has transformed their approach to business, turning uncertainties into opportunities and challenges into successes.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
With its proven track record, the UGA SBDC remains a cornerstone of Georgia’s business community. As 2024 unfolds, thousands more entrepreneurs are expected to tap into its wealth of resources.
Whether it’s launching a new venture, scaling up, or simply staying afloat in turbulent times, Georgia’s business owners know they have a reliable partner in the UGA SBDC.
The data, testimonials, and outcomes leave no doubt: this is a program that works, and it’s changing lives in the process.
