Small Business Success Archives

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Medical Equipment Supplier Reaches Global Markets

October 15, 2025

Aydin Bilgutay, a second-generation owner of the company Infinium Medical, a leading patient monitor manufacturer and medical equipment supplier based in Pinellas County, has continued to grow the business alongside his brothers ever since his father started it over 30 years ago. Since taking over the business, the team knew they wanted to keep up with their exporting success and reach global markets. That’s when they decided to reach out to the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of South Florida (USF) for professional advice and guidance.

Brewing Connection and Community at Java Moon

October 1, 2025

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.

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.”

Veteran Entrepreneur Finds Success with SBDC Support

February 17, 2025

Nina Pinidi, the owner of Solime Royal Hair, juggles her business, school and breast cancer treatments.

More than half of small businesses are born from someone’s desire to find freedom. Nina Pinidi’s business was born out of necessity.

Her comrades needed products they couldn’t find on base or on deployment, but her morale needed it too after serving 17 years.

She rose in rank to chief petty officer with deployments to Japan, Guantánamo Bay, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Chile and Djibouti before getting sick and having to medically retire.

“I was really in a dark time when I was out because it’s like all of a sudden you’re not needed anymore,” she said. “You don’t have to wear a uniform. No one calls you for advice. No one needs your mentorship, and that literally stops overnight.”

From Empty Beehive to Thriving Family Business: A Success Story

December 16, 2024

In the heart of rural entrepreneurship, Susan and Glenn Scott’s journey with Honey in the Hollow Bee Farm exemplifies the power of passion, perseverance, and strategic business support. What began as a simple gift of an empty beehive would soon blossom into a flourishing family enterprise that demonstrates the transformative potential of small business growth.

A Humble Beginning

Glenn Scott, an auto technician, and Sue, deeply committed to homeschooling, shared a dream of owning their own business. The unexpected gift of an empty beehive became their catalyst for entrepreneurship. Initially, they operated from home, with bees buzzing in their backyard, selling their honey products directly to local customers.