America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

Locally Made, Savannah: A Dream Turned Reality with the Support of the University of Georgia SBDC

November 21, 2023

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is a thrilling yet daunting endeavor. It demands unwavering courage and a steadfast belief in one’s vision. Nick and Tonya Rintye, the inspiring duo behind Locally Made Savannah, exemplify this spirit, transforming a simple observation into a thriving business that showcases the talents of local artisans. Their success story is interwoven with the invaluable guidance of the University of Georgia SBDC, highlighting the transformative power of support and mentorship.

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SBDC helps Auburn couple scale for success

November 2, 2023

By Hope Tinney, Washington SBDC

AUBURN, Wash.—After another conversation with her husband about problems at his work, Mari Borrero told him, “Look, you have a choice. If you don’t like the way things are going, do something different.”

So he did, and she did, too.

Today, Mari Borrero and her husband Aaron Borrero are co- owners of American Abatement and Demo, a business that employs more than a dozen people and in 2022 had revenue of $3 million.

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Stargate Ventures

August 15, 2023

Stargate Ventures — A Success Story

He was just a senior in high school when the light bulb went on for Stargate Ventures owner, Robert (Rob) Lavine. Like many teens, he was watching YouTube and finding ads popping up showing the glitz and glamour of making money online. And, of course, there were videos to show you just how to do.

“I remember being in class and just kind of skipping lunch,” says Rob. “Everybody laughed, and I watched that whole entire video. And that was really, I would say the change, the light switch that for me, I was like, ‘Alright, I really want to pursue becoming an entrepreneur’.”

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Strategic Planning and Business Foundations from University of Georgia SBDC Help Brokerage Gain Sales and Success

August 8, 2023

Client: Practice Sales Advisors, St. Simons Island, GA
Consultants: Jordan Tippett & David Lewis, UGA SBDC Brunswick

Rebecca Robinson Davis of St. Simons is a people person, so much so that she left a lucrative position as a residential real estate appraiser in 2004 in search of a job – any job – that would replace the isolation of appraising homes with more personal interactions. She never thought that move would bring her such success thanks in part to a deep partnership with University of Georgia Small Business Development Center.

“I was looking in the newspaper and there was one job on St. Simons. One job,” she said. “It was for a national vet brokerage, but the description was vague. I turned in my resume anyway and did the interview. They hired me immediately because of my valuation background, which really helped because a business valuation is the foundation of a vet practice sale.”

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Glamour in an Instant

July 25, 2023

InstaGlam — A Success Story

Jenna Matzinger and Angie Ortiz first formed a friendship while attending Empire Beauty School. Being family oriented, they had dreams of opening a salon space where they could welcome and form close relationships with their clients. After years of determination to work together, they achieved their dream and became business partners and co-owners of InstaGlam salon in January 2023.

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