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Small business center offers a variety of programs

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located in the Harry S. Downs Center for Continuing Education at Clayton State, is part of a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and colleges and universities around the state that provides three basic services; free consulting; information services, and educational programs.

Clayton State Area Director Cecil McDaniel and Consultant Donna Kelsick have been busy serving 250 new and existing businesses within Clayton, Henry, Fayette and Spalding counties, providing one-on-one counseling on a wide range of issues including developing and updating business plans, identifying sources of capital, financial records analysis, specialized research geared to specific business owners, accounting, marketing strategies, and government regulation compliance, as well as confidential services to companies seeking operational and strategic planning advice.

For example, in 2003, SBDC assisted nurses in fulfilling a lifelong dream of opening their own hospice in Henry County, helped a Peachtree City resident obtain and open a Subway Sandwich franchise, and assisted a Riverdale resident in opening a commercial cleaning business.

In 2004, they have helped Tyra Johnson (Henry County) open her own coffee shop in March, and Elizabeth Ford (Fayette County) turn her creative talents of wreath making from a hobby into a lucrative business. Both obtained consulting through SBDC on how to choose and set up a business entity (LLC), obtain a business license, and develop a business plan. Both feel the assistance received from the SBDC prepared them to launch their business and both plan to utilize the SBDC as their businesses grow.

In Clayton County, small business owner Adegunwa, a manufacturer of African foods, was assisted by McDaniel in developing a business plan and financial projections, which led to his receiving an SBA loan in the amount of $10,000 to purchase processing equipment.

SBDC also meets with and addresses area chambers of commerce, civic organizations, local area high schools and colleges. They work with local leaders and Clayton State to bring programs and seminars throughout the four county areas.

In the first quarter of 2004, the Clayton State center served 96 client cases for 379 consulting hours (or 3.94 hours per case) and presented 23 Continuing Education programs to 301 attendees.

For more information on the Clayton State SBDC, call (770) 961-3440