The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of Columbus believes in the value and importance of a strong and resilient community.

One way in which the UGA SBDC achieves that goal is by helping to strengthen and prepare the small business community for growth. In line with that goal, the UGA SBDC of Columbus is taking applications for the 2013 GrowSmart™ course, which begins on September 20, 2013, at the Cunningham Conference Center.

In its seventh year in Columbus, the nationally known entrepreneur development program is designed for established and growing small businesses. GrowSmart™ offers a peer learning environment and provides in-depth information on the strategic planning process, marketing research, financial statement analysis, and building a stronger overall organization.

The multi-week program will consist of seven weekly sessions. During these sessions, successful entrepreneurs will be featured each week sharing their experiences and wisdom. Past guest speakers include Mike Venable, Ken Callaway, Bill Bell, Rick Alexander, John McLemore, Jack Pezold, John Anker and many others.

GrowSmart™ graduates are among some of the most successful business owners in Columbus and are strong advocates for the program.

"I highly recommend this course to any person who is serious about growing their business. Without a doubt, I have benefited," says Tom Calhoun with Flournoy & Calhoun Realtors.

The Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce will be co-sponsoring the GrowSmart™ course, along with the statewide sponsors Georgia Power and the OneGeorgia Authority.

Tuition for the program is $895 per person; however there are a limited number of $500 partial scholarships provided by Georgia Power and OneGeorgia Authority for qualifying companies.

Applications are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis, and there will only be one company from any industry accepted in the program.

For more information or to register for GrowSmart™, please call the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center in Columbus at 706-569-2651 or visit www.columbussbdc.org.

Also, be sure to check out their flyer on the course. 

Pre-registration is required. Deadline for registration is Monday, September 16, 2013.