Whether you are a new business (in business 2 years or less), or are still in the planning phase, building a business takes the right tools—and a lot of hard work. SBDC StartSMART will equip you to be successful! 

This Signature Program is offered once a year for entrepreneurs and business owners by The University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Columbus and Statewide Sponsor, Wells Fargo. StartSMART™ will kick-off May 5^th and run thru May 28^th on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All classes are held by the University of Georgia’s SBDC in Columbus virtually.  

StartSMART Program gets results: 

• Evaluate & refine your business concept

• Improve your knowledge of business concepts

• Research markets and competition

• Develop a financial forecast to improve chances of success

• Develop a thorough, practical business plan 

This year’s program is tailored to being held virtually to facilitate discussion, class engagement and mastery of content. Participation in StartSMART will also allow access to online business planning software.  

This program is designed for the following entrepreneurs and business owners:

• Those who are in business and looking to build a stronger foundation

• Or on the brink of opening their company

• Or businesses that are considering opening a different location.

• Or opening a franchise

• Or looking to acquire funding and needs to develop a business plan

Enrollment: Tuition includes access to an online business planning software, LivePlan. The program is facilitated by specially trained UGA SBDC consultants and a long-term relationship and follow-up consulting is available and encouraged.

Applications are reviewed and approved to ensure competitive conflicts are minimized and requirements are met. You MUST be accepted before you can purchase a seat in the program. Seating is limited.

Submit Your Application Today to: https://ugasbdc.training/columbus/0133-001 or for more information.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Georgia. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact us at 3100 Gentian Blvd., Suite 119, Columbus, GA, 31907 - (706) 569-2651.