unleashing
national impact
igniting local
transformation
Gwen and Larry Collins first contacted the UGA SBDC for help purchasing their Macon-based metal manufacturing business, Collins Manufacturing, in 2005. In 2011, they contacted the UGA SBDC to help their company grow and expand into new markets.
"Whenever you're trying to make those major decisions as a small business owner, you have some confidence. Because you know it's not just you and your knowledge alone; you're getting that expert help from University of Georgia Small Business Development Center."
The UGA SBDC played a pivotal role in guiding the Collines through the government contracting certification process, enabling them to expand their business into the defense industry. In 2023, Gwen Collins successfully graduated from the U.S. SBA 8(a) Business Development Program.
The UGA SBDC also assisted the Collines with new business and property acquisitions essential for their expansion into the government contracting sector. Key topics covered included various acquisition types (stock purchase vs. asset-based acquisition), work-in-process valuation, purchase and sale agreements, and thorough reviews of seller financial information. In addition, the UGA SBDC provided valuable insights on conventional and SBA loan products.
Fast forward to 2024, Collins Manufacturing now operates six facilities spanning 235,000 square feet, has more than quadrupled its workforce, and offers contract manufacturing services across defense, aerospace, automotive, agriculture, and various other industries.
Labrescia "Breezy" Dawson, an Atlanta native with a background in car sales, transitioned to real estate in 2003. By 2006, she had established Dawson's Management, expanding her business and its range of services to include asset management, general management, construction management, facilities support services, and logistics.
In 2020, Dawson attended several classes with the UGA SBDC to find ways to improve her real estate company's business operations and to further grow the government contracting opportunities she competed for as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certified business.
"[Our UGA SBDC business consultant] was instrumental in coaching our organization and enhancing our infrastructure. His advice will enable us to leverage the tools and solutions the UGA SBDC provides, ensuring we remain competitive in our industry and that we have the ability to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions."
The UGA SBDC guided Dawson through the U.S. SBA's 8(a) Business Development program, significantly aiding her business growth in the federal contracting space. The UGA SBDC also helped Dawson implement operational systems to scale her business, focusing on strategic planning, vision, mission, values, and goal setting.
Through a partnership with the UGA SBDC, Dawson's company secured a 10-year contract worth up to $1 billion with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The UGA SBDC's comprehensive support also enabled Dawson's Management to grow from a single agent to a seven-figure company with 18 real estate agents and a network of 2,000 brokers nationwide, including Puerto Rico and Guam.
Speech-language pathologist Erin Haskins initially opened Southern Therapy Solutions in February 2015 as a mobile speech therapy business. However, as she gained more patients and referrals, she realized she needed help mastering the business principles necessary to grow her business successfully.
"I have always been an optimistic person, and you kind of have to be running a small business. Through working with the UGA SBDC, I have learned so much about my business and about my profession."
Haskins first connected with the UGA SBDC at a financial planning workshop hosted by the center. She soon began collaborating with the UGA SBDC for support in hiring practices, human resources, marketing, financial management, and operations. The UGA SBDC also assisted Haskins in transitioning from a home-based mobile business to a new 13,000-square-foot facility, which she plans to purchase in 2024.
With the assistance of the UGA SBDC, Haskins was able to move her business into a new facility seven times larger than her previous space. She was also able to hire the employees she needed to grow her practice and expand the therapy services her business offered.
