uga-sbdc-helps-small-athens-businesses-thrive

Renowned for its unique eateries, boutiques, and music hotspots, Athens is a lively community enriched by its local enterprises. Numerous proprietors of these small ventures have depended on the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center as an essential source of guidance and assistance.

Since 1977, the UGA SBDC has served as a vital statewide resource, aiding many enterprises in Athens to launch and flourish. Among its extensive offerings, the UGA SBDC delivers educational programs and mentoring. As one of the eight divisions of UGA Public Service and Outreach, the UGA SBDC boasts 18 offices throughout the state and is a fundamental member of UGA’s business innovation and development network.

In the past five years, the Athens SBDC office has provided consulting to 428 entrepreneurs, assisted 72 businesses in launching, and seen their clients generate over $257 million in revenue — all within Athens-Clarke County.

Image of the Small Business Development Center on Broad Street in downtown Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Mack Brown)

UGA’s Small Business Development Center has an office located at the junction of UGA’s campus and downtown Athens, serving as a resource for local enterprises. (Photo by Mack Brown)

Michael Myers, a consultant at the SBDC, possesses extensive entrepreneurial background, having held senior roles in healthcare and hospitality while owning businesses in the Athens region. He became part of the SBDC a decade ago with the intention of guiding individuals to convert their visions into successful enterprises. Throughout his tenure at the SBDC, Myers has aided Athens entrepreneurs across numerous sectors, including three noteworthy local businesses — Treehouse Kid & Craft, the Lightroom, and Kate Arnold Wines.

Kristen Bach, the proprietor of Treehouse Kid & Craft, has engaged with the SBDC for over 15 years. She participated in SBDC classes prior to launching Treehouse and continues to collaborate with Myers to improve her enterprise. Recently, Myers assisted Bach as she took charge of Treehouse’s financial services — yielding substantial monetary savings and boosting her comprehension of the business.

“Launching a business can feel quite isolating and daunting, and the SBDC was there to help me realize that growth requires patience,” Bach remarked. “I have a safe space where I can receive professional guidance. It’s simply incredible.”

Guillermo Zovain has also gained from SBDC offerings. Over the last year, he and his wife, Wendy Muniz, have created the Lightroom as a creative venture that provides studios for photography, videography, and podcasts, along with a production company and equipment rental service. Zovain and Muniz met Myers in March 2024, and he has extended support in areas such as budgeting and financial projections, even participating in a site visit that led to the Lightroom’s permanent establishment at Southern Mill.

“I wouldn’t start a business in this town without collaborating with Mike,” Zovain stated. “You need insights into how the city operates and how to succeed in business, and Mike provided both of these.”

Based on Milledge Avenue, the proprietors of Kate Arnold Wines collaborate with growers and suppliers nationwide. Jean and Kate Arnold, the co-owners of the business, have sought Myers’ guidance since 2017 concerning accounting inquiries, human resources matters, and external recommendations.

“When you embark on a business journey, you can’t know everything. Having someone to reach out to with inquiries is a true lifeline,” Jean Arnold expressed. “Local businesses in Athens should definitely collaborate with the SBDC. It’s essential and has been a tremendous aid for my business.”

Michael Myers, center, has supported Athens entrepreneurs as an SBDC business consultant for the past 10 years. (Photo by Shannah Montgomery)

Michael Myers, center, has supported Athens entrepreneurs as an SBDC business consultant for the past 10 years. (Photo by Shannah Montgomery)

SBDC specialists offer training and consulting to a wide range of industries, providing services such as aiding businesses in securing funding, navigating regulations, and effectively marketing themselves. In just the last five years, the SBDC has helped launch 2,182 small enterprises, create 15,514 jobs, secure $1.2 billion in funding, and produce $9.5 billion in sales across Georgia. Throughout his career at UGA, Myers has relished providing these and other services to local enterprises.

“I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship, and there were individuals who assisted me at the outset,” Myers noted. “I derive immense satisfaction from witnessing people begin their journey and observing the influence their businesses have on the community.”

The post UGA SBDC helps small Athens businesses thrive appeared first on UGA Today.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share This