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nTechQuity: How an Intergenerational Program is Closing the Digital Divide

October 8, 2025
nTechQuity: How an Intergenerational Program is Closing the Digital Divide

In her former information technology roles, Todd Rennae Boone witnessed a wide digital divide. “I worked with young people in marginalized communities,” she explained. “What struck me was that the only difference in learning wasn’t their ability, but the resources to which they had access.” 

Fueled by a desire to bridge this gap, Todd launched nTechQuity Community Learning, a unique initiative fostering intergenerational learning. At nTechQuity, she matches tech-savvy kids up with not-so-tech-savvy seniors, and the knowledge shared and the relationships forged are transformative.

Todd’s biggest hurdle to the concept was finding a suitable location – one accessible for both older adults and young participants. Todd met Michigan SBDC Consultant Karlie Robinson at a local community resource fair. Karlie then helped Todd secure classroom space at host institution Saginaw Valley State University’s Riverfront location. “Karlie’s guidance has been foundational,” Todd acknowledges. “Thanks to the Michigan SBDC, I was able to secure the perfect space. Karlie not only made it available but also ensured it was welcoming and inviting.”

“Todd’s passion for the Saginaw community and its people is what truly sets her apart,” said Karlie. “Her students aren’t just after-school participants who are part of her business—she truly cares about them.” In addition to securing the right location, “Given Todd’s deep community connections, our coaching focused on strategic outreach and negotiation tactics,” said Karlie.

What happens when tech-savvy kids teach seniors? 💡 Connection, learning, and a shrinking digital divide. Meet Todd Rennae Boone, founder of nTechQuity, who is fostering intergenerational bonds and tech equity in Saginaw #SmallBizSuccess Share on X

Their collaboration exemplifies the two-way street of the Michigan SBDC experience. “The best part of my job is sharing knowledge,” Karlie reflected. “But clients like Todd push me to learn as well. Every entrepreneur brings unique challenges, making me a better consultant for the next.” Todd concluded: “Thank you to the Michigan SBDC for allowing me to gift this life-changing opportunity to my program participants.”

Thanks to nTechQuity and the Michigan SBDC’s support, the digital divide is shrinking, one connection at a time.

Brewing Connection and Community at Java Moon

October 1, 2025
Brewing Connection and Community at Java Moon


When Megan Cook acquired Java Moon in December 2021, her intention was to preserve the cherished legacy of the historic business in downtown Sheridan, while infusing it with a dynamic energy to propel it forward. For years, Megan had dreamed of owning a business downtown with a communal ambience. “I wanted to create a welcoming vibe where people can come to gather, to meet with friends and enjoy great food,” she explains. The menu at Java Moon ranges from made-from-scratch pastries to hearty lunch options and bespoke catering.

Navigating the challenges of the food and beverage industry, Megan has demonstrated a keen understanding of the market. Her strategic management has resulted in over 20% sales growth annually the last 3 years. Despite competition for employees in Sheridan’s tight labor market. Megan’s ability to balance profitability with quality service has been pivotal to Java Moon’s success.

Recognizing Sheridan’s need for a comfortable and professional meeting space, Megan recently introduced ‘The Phases,’ a private conference room within Java Moon for meetings or collaborative projects. This addition offers a valuable resource for local businesses and professionals. The Sheridan Press writes: “The personalized service, fresh daily offerings, and inviting atmosphere make Java Moon more than just a coffee shop – it is downtown Sheridan’s community hub.”

Megan Cook is brewing up success in downtown Sheridan with Java Moon! From preserving a cherished legacy to achieving over 20% annual sales growth and expanding with a second location, this is a story you'll want to share. #JavaMoon… Share on X

Java Moon also serves as a platform for local artists and musicians. As reported by the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce, “Java Moon supports local art and music by partnering with SAGE Community Arts to feature a local artist each month and hosts the Sheridan Junior High Choir and guitar classes a few times each year.” Megan is also actively involved in local boards and charities, including the Whitney Benefits Board and Make-A-Wish Wyoming.

“As a customer, you immediately feel the sense of community and supportive workplace culture she has cultivated,” writes Zoila Perry, Executive Director of the Downtown Sheridan Association.

As Megan considered expanding the business, she was presented with new obstacles. The high cost of real estate and limited locations in Sheridan necessitated strategic planning. The Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) played a role in offering advising and market research services. This collaboration provided Megan with the necessary tools and insights to make informed decisions about her expansion.

Megan’s vision for Java Moon continues to evolve. In August of 2024 she acquired a lease on Coffeen Ave. for a second location to serve a broader clientele, offering a drive-thru option for those on the go, with the expansion providing a much-needed community space on the other side of town. “This location will serve locals as well as tourists as it is easy to access off of the interstate,” Megan notes, excited for the opportunities a second location will provide.

Java Moon Station opened in February of 2024, offering Java Moon’s food and drinks on the south side of town. “Opening the Station was a lot of hard work, but totally worth it. Offering great fresh food and a place to gather on this end of town is just what the Sheridan community needs.”

Megan Cook’s dedication to her business and love for her community is a blend of business acumen and commitment to creating a welcoming and thriving space for people to meet, eat something delicious, or simply have a cup of coffee.

Community Ties, Relationship with UGA SBDC Leads to Growth for Restaurant Franchise

September 25, 2025

Like many small business owners, Purvi Patel, a franchise owner of fast-casual Mexican grill Dos Bros, was struggling to keep her restaurant going during the pandemic. After attending a University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) class on small business funding and pandemic resources, Patel set up a meeting with UGA SBDC business advisor Nora Guzman to help guide her through the pandemic funding process.

Patel’s relationship with UGA SBDC in Rome has grown to focus on other areas of the business, from business financials and marketing plans to expanding catering options and streamlining the ordering process. Today, Dos Bros has added two more franchise locations and has seen a significant growth in revenue.

“I helped them navigate how to get funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and helped them figure out the loan forgiveness process, but our relationship has expanded since,” said Guzman. “Anytime Purvi has business-related questions, she knows she can call me.”

Guzman helped Patel dive into her business financials and use that information in her financial decisions.

“We were looking at alternatives for growth,” said Guzman. “I did an analysis on their best sellers, what are they known for. We found catering brought in a higher profit margin than just individual sales.”

With that information in hand, Patel shifted her focus to growing the catering arm of her business through marketing and a reorganization of operations.

“We are currently working to streamline the process for corporate catering in the northwest Georgia area for both pick-up and delivery,” said Patel. “We’ve done a web analysis and market research to better understand our market and better serve our customer base.”

Guzman helped Patel prepare a marketing campaign focused on catering and coached her on how to be strategic in her efforts.

Portrait of Dos Bros owner Purvi Patel

In addition to serving catering orders, Patel enjoys serving her community by being involved in nonprofit organizations.

“Her commitment to her community has been part of her success,” Guzman said of Patel. “She’s found a way to get people in the door of her restaurant while also giving back to non-profit organizations that she’s passionate about.”

By hosting community spirit nights, Dos Bros is able to donate 30% of its sales to partnering organizations.

In addition, Patel works with Crossplains Community Partners to employ individuals with intellectual disabilities and give them real-world experiences. She also works with Dalton Public Schools and Whitfield County Schools’ Work Based Learning programs to provide students with structured work experiences. Being connected to the UGA SBDC helps Patel keep her business aligned with her community outreach goals.

“This is a reason we continue to look so closely at our financial projections and business plan with the UGA SBDC,” said Patel. “We want to make sure our business succeeds and that we can continue to work with our community partners.”

From pandemic struggles to franchise success! Purvi Patel of @DosBrosMexGrill turned to @UGA_SBDC for guidance and transformed her business. Now she's expanded to 3 locations and boosted catering revenue #SmallBizSuccess Share on X

Since opening her first Dos Bros restaurant in Dalton in 2018, Patel has opened locations in Rome and Marietta and hopes to open another in northwest Georgia in the future.

Even more impressive is the personal growth Patel has experienced since reaching out to the UGA SBDC. She was awarded Diplomat of the Year in 2021 by the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, has been nominated for the organization’s Small Business Award, and graduated from the Leadership Dalton-Whitfield program in 2024.   

Patel believes the secret to her success lies in working hard, staying focused, and conducting herself with integrity. Those principles serve as her guide and shape every action of her professional journey.

“We are thankful for the UGA SBDC,” said Patel. “It provides us with great consultants and business resources that help us to be successful so we can continue to serve our communities.”

Hatching Time: Poultry Retailer Opens New DE Distribution Center

July 30, 2025
Hatching Time: Poultry Retailer Opens New DE Distribution Center

In 2018, Hatching Time founders and co-CEOs Yağız Aksu and Ryan Flanagan saw a need for clean, sanitary products in the poultry industry. Based out of Newark, DE, Hatching Time is an e-commerce business focusing on providing technologically-advanced poultry raising equipment.

Poultry equipment retailer Hatching Time has found a place to roost: a 27,000 square foot distribution center and showroom in the Boulden Interchange Park.

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