America’s SBDC Blog

A “Forbes 100 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs”

Long-Term Partnership with UGA SBDC Fuels Ecolink’s Growth (4x Sales!) – A Success Story

May 2, 2024

Brandon Pelissero knows the value a long-term relationship with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) can add to a small business. Pelissero, owner of industrial chemical company Ecolink, has worked with the UGA SBDC for more than 15 years, beginning with a website audit in 2009. Over the past few years, the success of the partnership has been reflected in Ecolink’s growth—by 2023 the company had quadrupled sales and expanded both domestically and internationally.

The Benefit of Knowing How Consumers Find You

Ecolink manufactures industrial cleaning compounds. Their products are created in a novel way that lessens the amount of cleaning material required, resulting in lower costs for the customer, less harm to the environment and a lower carbon footprint. Ecolink’s product line includes industrial cleaners, degreasers and solvents.

Continue reading

 


Find Diverse Businesses Easier with DBEsearch.com – A Success Story

April 25, 2024

In 1983, the first Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) provision was enacted by Congress, requiring the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure that small disadvantaged businesses must be included as suppliers on federal, state, and local infrastructure contracts. Since then, the policy of helping socially and economically disadvantaged minority, woman, veteran, and disabled owned businesses has expanded.

A 2017 Transportation Act made it a requirement for any government contractor to spend a certain percentage of dollars on diverse suppliers for road, railroad, and other infrastructure projects.

It was this requirement that essentially sent Matthew Reed, President of JCR Construction on the path to create DBEsearch.com. JCR Construction is a utility contractor who builds power lines for various utility companies in the Northeast.

Continue reading

 


From Big Box to Building Trust: Dr. Clark’s Journey to Personalized Pharmacy Care

December 26, 2023

Dr. Andrew Clark knew there had to be a better way to do pharmacy. Tired of the impersonal service at big-box stores, he dreamed of opening his own pharmacy where patients could come first. But starting a business is no walk in the park, especially for someone with no business background.

That’s where the Mississippi Small Business Development Center (SBDC) came in. The SBDC provided Dr. Clark with the free resources and expert advice he needed to turn his dream into reality. From writing a business plan to navigating the ins and outs of marketing and finance, the SBDC was there every step of the way.

“The SBDC was the secret weapon I never knew I needed,” says Dr. Clark. “They helped me with everything from choosing the right location to setting up my finances. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help.”

Continue reading