The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a Public Service and Outreach unit of the University of Georgia, is hosting the SBDC StartSmart Program in a virtual, live learning format. The educational program, paired with expert consulting from SBDC professionals, is designed to assist those who are planning a business or have been in business for less than two years. 

SBDC StartSmart  will be held in a series of live virtual sessions that will facilitate discussion, class engagement and mastery of content. The course includes access to online business planning software and specially-trained UGA SBDC consultants. Over the course of the program, participants will:

• Evaluate and refine business concept

• Research markets and competition

• Develop a financial forecast to improve chances of success

• Create a thorough, practical business plan

• Acquire marketing strategies and information on acquiring capital from banks and investors

• Stay on track with continued engagement from SBDC consultants

The UGA SBDC Macon Office will host SBDC StartSmart™  for the Central Georgia region starting February 14th, 2023. SBDC StartSmart™  takes place in a series of eight virtual learning modules – conducted live with SBDC Macon consultants –  twice a week for four weeks, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Feb. 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, March 2, 7, & 9, 2023). 

“If you recently started a small business, the SBDC StartSmart™ Program can help you develop your plans and move forward, gain knowledge of critical business fundamentals and build a framework for a successful business operation,” said SBDC Macon Area Director Lisa Rackley. “We are excited to bring this signature program in a virtual format and still maintain a live, interactive experience that will facilitate engagement among participants.”

Please be advised seating is limited and participants MUST complete an application to be considered for the SBDC StartSmart™ Program. The cost of the program is $195 per participant (valued at $495). No applications will be accepted after class max has been reached.

Go to www.georgiasbdc.org/startsmart for complete details and to apply online. You may also contact Trudy Lawrence at (478) 757-3609 or email; [email protected].