Business Challenges We Can Help You Solve

The UGA SBDC offers access to confidential, no-cost, one-on-one professional business consulting for Georgia small business owners who want to grow or start their business. Our consultants have earned advanced degrees in business or management and have extensive practical experience to help both emerging and growing businesses design strategies to make better business decisions and reach their goals.

Testimonial graphic with a quote about learning from the UGA SBDC at Valdosta State University, alongside two women talking in an office setting.

Learn more about the challenges we help business owners with every day:

A table of various topic areas that our consultants can assist with, such as access to capital, sales and marketing, financial performance, team and leadership capacity, strategic growth planning, and starting a business.
Access to Capital
Need funding to start, grow, or expand your business? Our consultants can help you prepare loan packages, evaluate financing options, improve lender readiness and connect you with the resources to pursue capital opportunities. Please note: the SBDC does not provide funding. 
Growing Sales and Marketing
Looking to attract more customers and grow revenue? We help businesses evaluate their marketing efforts, understand their target audiences, strengthen their digital presence and develop strategies that drive sales growth.
Improving Financial Performance
Want a clearer picture of your financial health? Our consultants can help you understand financial statements, analyze profitability, improve cash flow and make informed decisions that support long-term success.
Building Your Team and Leadership Capacity
As your business grows, your leadership challenges change. We help business owners develop management skills, strengthen teams, improve organizational structures and build the leadership capacity needed to support growth.
Planning for Strategic Growth
Ready to take your business to the next level? Whether you’re expanding operations, entering new markets or preparing for succession, we help businesses develop strategies that support sustainable, long-term growth.
Starting a Business
Thinking about starting a business? Begin with our How to Start a Business In Georgia and Writing a Business Plan courses, designed to help you assess your idea, understand the startup process and create a plan for moving forward with confidence.

Is there a cost?

No, consulting is provided at no cost to Georgia small business owners. All clients, their businesses, and related information are kept strictly confidential – we will not provide your information to anyone without your permission.

How do I get started?

  1. Business Education: Discover the programs that empower Georgia entrepreneurs to take the next step in their business. From workshops and webinars to group cohorts, our training programs cover every stage of business growth. View Our Upcoming Programs to learn practical skills, gain actionable insights and connect with a network of experts ready to guide you forward. 
  2. Request Assistance: Got questions? Fill out the Request Assistance form. Once submitted, an SBDC Program Assistant will follow up with you with next steps, or if you meet the qualifications, you may even get the opportunity to schedule an appointment with a business advisor to go over your questions during your selected appointment date and time.