Issuu

The UGA SBDC at Clayton State

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE SEPTEMBER 29, 2026

The UGA Small Business Development Center at Clayton State is pleased to release this digital business resource guide as a companion asset to the 2026 South Metro Small Business Resource Fair. The guide includes descriptions and contact information for participating resource organizations from the Fair to help owners continue engagement throughout the year. The Fair was developed to help more owners launch, strengthen, and grow their businesses by providing greater access to resources and deepening their understanding and insights to improve business development and management.

Participating Resource Organizations Business Launch, Development and Growth

Economic and Community Development

Assistance with business development, management,

Assistance with new facility locations, sourcing,

operations, HR, navigation, and more

workforce development, and incentives

GA Center of Innovation

Clayton Chamber of Commerce

GA Department of Community Affairs

Clayton County Economic Development

GA Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Fayette Chamber of Commerce

Georgia Tech APEX Accelerator

Fayetteville Economic Development

Launch Fayette

Forest Park Economic Development

Operation HOPE

Grifﬁn Economic Development

SCORE

Stockbridge Economic Development

Small Business Administration Square UGA SBDC at Clayton State

Funding Assistance with funding/capital readiness and sourcing

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs Bank of Dudley

Supplier / Opportunity Assistance with certication, supplier development, and government contracting

CEI Contractor Supportive Services Clayton County Central Services Forest Park Purchasing

NOW Corp PNC Bank Renasant Bank Truist United Bank

GA Dept of Administrative Services GA Dept of Transportation MARTA UGA Procurement 2

Business Launch, Development and Growth David Nuckolls Executive Director (404) 962-4130 DNuckolls@georgia.org

The Center of Innovation gives businesses of any size — from startups to Fortune 500 companies — free access to industry-specific technical experts in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and agribusiness/agtech. Staff work one-on-one with companies to help them develop new products, adopt new technology, optimize supply chains and operations, and connect with university researchers, national labs, and other technical resources statewide. The Center also helps businesses navigate funding opportunities, site selection, and workforce needs tied to its focus industries, drawing on relationships across Georgia's research institutions and economic development network. Visit The Georgia Center of Innovation

Tracie Sanchez Region 3 Representative (470) 851-8827 tracie.sanchez@dca.ga.gov

LaTonya Franklin SSBCI Loan Analyst (404) 679-0582 latonya.franklin@dca.ga.gov

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs is the state agency that helps local governments, and the businesses within them, build stronger downtowns and communities. For small businesses, DCA administers Georgia's Main Street and Better Hometown programs, pairing participating downtowns with design, marketing, and business-support assistance, and it helps communities access Community Development Block Grant funding, including disaster-recovery CDBG-DR dollars. DCA also administers Georgia's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which supports small businesses through loan participation, loan guaranty, CDFI, and equity/venture capital programs delivered through participating lenders, and it administers the state construction codes that affect permitting and build-out. It's a key resource for understanding what downtown grants, small-business lending support, and local incentive programs may be available. Visit GA Department of Community Affairs

Gerardo Arias-Chong Counselor (404) 894-8122 Gerardo.arias-chong@innovate.gatech.edu

Georgia Tech APEX Accelerator (formerly Georgia Tech’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center) is part of a nationwide network, backed by the U.S. Department of Defense, that helps small businesses compete for government contracts at no cost. Counselors provide free one-onone guidance on becoming “procurement-ready,” including SAM.gov registration, understanding bid requirements, pursuing certifications (DBE, HUBZone, 8(a), veteran-owned), and identifying matching opportunities. Services include procurement training, matchmaking events with government buyers and prime contractors, and proposal and compliance support. Visit the Georgia Tech APEX Accelerator

Paul LaVigna South Metro Atlanta Region Manager (518) 813-3676 paul.lavigna@innovate.gatech.edu

The Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) is a member of the National MEP network, with ten regions across the state. Through coaching and training, GaMEP offers solutions to increase top-line growth and reduce bottom-line costs. We serve small and mediumsized manufacturers and have a unique responsibility to boost Georgia’s economy by improving our clients’ competitiveness. We use an Organizational Excellence framework across all levels of manufacturing plants to ensure business stability, align organizational goals, develop effective leadership, and advance manufacturing plants through strategic planning for future growth. Visit GaMEP

David Conti Executive Director (770) 716-1209 conti.david@fcboe.org

Launch Fayette is a community business incubator that connects new and growing companies with the resources and support they need. Startups have access to a collaborative office space and a suite of local and statewide educational and advisory services to help them succeed. This provides entrepreneurs with connections, collaboration, and access to industry leaders, along with educational resources that support ongoing learning. We offer different levels of membership to fit your needs as you launch and build your business. Visit Launch Fayette

Twina Feliciano Small Business Coach (770) 572-7584 Twina.feliciano@ operationhope.org

Linden Jackson Small Business Coach (470) 629-1188 Linden.jackson@ operationhope.org

Operation Hope provides free financial coaching and small business development services, delivered through community-based HOPE Inside locations and certified coaches — supplemented by "Juanita," an AI-powered financial coach available 24/7. For small business owners, HOPE offers one-on-one guidance on business plan development, credit building and repair, money management, and access to capital, along with emergency budgeting help and support negotiating with creditors. Visit Operation Hope

Ernise Cummings Certified Mentor Ernise.cummings @scorevolunteer.or g

Jack Bernard Certified Mentor Jack.bernard@scor evolunteer.org

Jim Strauss Certified Mentor jim.strauss@score volunteer.org

SCORE offering is free, confidential one-on-one mentoring from experienced business leaders and volunteer mentors, available for the life of a business at any stage, from startup idea through growth and eventual exit. SCORE also runs expert-led webinars, workshops, courses, and pitch events, covering topics like startup planning, growth strategy, and succession planning. Its resource library adds templates, articles, and industry-specific guides, plus dedicated resource centers for women entrepreneurs, rural businesses, veterans, and people transitioning from employment into self-employment. Visit SCORE

Jennell Taylor Economic Development Specialist (404) 331-0424 jennell.taylor@sba.gov

The SBA guarantees a range of loan programs delivered through local lenders, including 7(a) loans for working capital and expansion, 504 loans for real estate and equipment, and microloans for very small or startup businesses. It also provides investment capital and surety bonding for contractors. The SBA connects owners to a nationwide network of free education, counseling, and training partners — including Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Veterans Centers, and Women's Business Centers — and local in-person events. For businesses pursuing government contracts, the SBA oversees certifications for women-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and 8(a) small, disadvantaged businesses. It also provides low-interest disaster loans for businesses, homeowners, and renters recovering from a declared disaster. Visit The SBA

Danny Riggs driggs@block.xyz

Anjelica Rembert anjelica@block.xyz

Chris Claiborne cclaiborne@squareup.com

Square provides an all-in-one commerce platform for payment acceptance and business operations, with in-person and online point-of-sale systems, a free online store, and invoicing tools. Square software covers inventory, staff scheduling and payroll, appointment booking, marketing, and real-time reporting. Square Banking adds checking, savings, working capital loans, and credit products. Visit Square Explore The Bottom Line | A Publication By Square – a Square digital resource hub with case studies, business guides, podcasts, and insights to help small business owners grow their companies.

Govantez Lowndes Area Director/Consultant (678) 466-5100 glowndes@georgiasbdc.org

Richard Schnitker Business Consultant (678) 466-5100 glowndes@georgiasbdc.org

Chelsea Howell Program Coordinator (678) 466-5100 chowell@georgiasbdc.org

SBDC Consultants help owners with business and strategic planning, financing and capital access — including free help preparing loan applications — and market research, plus specialized guidance in agribusiness, manufacturing, international trade, cybersecurity, and veteran-owned business support. Workshops, webinars, and signature training series cover topics from startup basics to growth strategy, with on-demand courses s. Visit Georgia SBDC

Supplier / Opportunity Chris Evans Project Manager (941) 413-3426 cevans@ceihome.com

CEI Contractor Supportive Services works directly with GDOT to help small, minorityowned, and women-owned businesses build operational capacity, navigate federal compliance, and win government highway and transit contracts. Services include personalized certification assistance for the DBE and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) application processes; bid matching to connect qualified DBE firms with open state and federal opportunities; pre-bid networking forums that give shortlisted prime contractors direct access to vetted DBE subcontractors; technical training covering construction estimating, project scheduling, Davis-Bacon compliance, and audit preparation; and bonding and financing support. Visit CEI Contractor Supportive Services (GDOT DBE Contractor Supportive Services)

James Reeves Compliance Program Coordinator (770) 412-8109 james.reeves@claytoncountyga.gov

Sonya Brown-Hood Contract Compliance Specialist Senior (770) 473-5480 sonya.brownhood@claytoncountyga.gov

Clayton County Central Services implements, manages, and oversees vendor registrations and vendor programs as well as compliance on all Clayton County contracts. The department assists businesses with registration through the Clayton Vendor Access Portal (C-VAP) to view bid and RFP opportunities and submit bids electronically through BidNet. The department also runs a Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) program that certifies and promotes minority- and disadvantaged-owned businesses, a Local Vendor Preference Program that gives priority to qualifying local vendors, and a Mentor Protégé Program pairing established contractors with developing businesses. A Contract Compliance Division serves as an ongoing liaison connecting small businesses to county contracting opportunities. Visit Clayton County Central Services

Talisa Adams Procurement Manager (404) 366-4720 ext: 342 tadams@forestparkga.gov

The City of Forest Park's Procurement Division runs the city's vendor registration and competitive bidding process through OpenGov, a free, web-based electronic bidding and vendormanagement system. Businesses create a free account on the OpenGov portal, subscribe to relevant categories, and can then browse active solicitations and follow specific projects to receive automatic notifications when bid documents, addenda, or amendments are posted. The city also publishes a Vendor Registration Packet, its Purchasing Policy Manual, a current procurement-contracts list, and a "Doing Business with the City of Forest Park" flyer to help new vendors understand requirements and timelines. The Procurement Division, led by the city's Procurement Manager, is available directly to answer vendor questions about upcoming opportunities. Visit Forest Park Procurement

Julian Bailey Ga Department of Administrative Services (GDOAS) Small Business & Supplier Diversity (404) 651-9704 julian.bailey@doas.ga.gov

The GDOAS Small Business and Supplier Diversity department helps small businesses compete for contracts across state agencies, universities, and colleges. The program runs statewide Georgia Procurement Workshops that show how state purchasing works, promote Georgia's small business certification, and encourage businesses to pursue contracts under $25,000 to build credentials, which agencies can award without a full competitive process. Small Business Liaisons connect registered vendors directly with state buyers and highlight upcoming bid opportunities, while the program partners with the SBA's Georgia District Office and the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council on certification guidance, and with lenders such as JPMorgan Chase on capital-access resources. Visit Georgia DOAS Small Business & Supplier Diversity Program 9

Mary Zirock Assistant Chief Procurement Officer (404) 631-1218 mzirock@dot.ga.gov

Georgia Department of Transportation contracts with a wide range of businesses to build and maintain Georgia’s transportation system: construction, engineering, architecture and routinemaintenance contractors, information technology, professional and technical services, and a wide range of goods, materials, and other services. Most contractors and consultants must prequalify with GDOT before bidding, with opportunities posted through project letting forecasts and prime/subcontractor directories; GDOT’s Business Help Center offers training, consulting, and matchmaking to help firms of any size navigate that process. Within this broader vendor landscape, GDOT also certifies Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and provides bonding assistance and targeted matchmaking for eligible firms. Visit GDOT

Chris Taylor DBE/Small Business Analyst ctaylor4@itsmarta.com

Susan Sullivan Small Business Prog. Analyst ssullivan1@itsmarta.com

Horace McDonald Senior Certification Analyst hmcdonald@itsmarta.com

MARTA contracts with a wide range of businesses to build, operate, and maintain Atlanta’s transit system: construction and engineering firms, technology and IT vendors, professional services and consulting firms, goods and materials suppliers, and concession operators. Opportunities are posted on the MARTA Bid Portal (current, anticipated, and recently awarded procurements), and new vendors register through a two-step process — an initial application with tax documentation, then setup in MARTA’s iSupplier Portal to manage purchase orders, invoices, and payments. Within this broader vendor landscape, MARTA also runs Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) programs, with technical assistance for eligible certified firms. Visit MARTA

Lauren Barlow Supplier Strategy & Programs Specialist (706) 542-7057 Lauren.barlow@uga.edu

The University of Georgia Procurement Office buys general goods and services, construction and public-works contracts, and federal research subcontracting (professional and scientific consulting, lab supplies, IT, travel) for the university. Purchases above set thresholds require competitive solicitations — RFQs, RFPs, or advertised bids — posted through the GA@WORK platform and JAGGAER Sourcing Director, alongside UGA’s own procurement website. Any business can register as a vendor at suppliers.uga.edu and sign up for bid notifications; a Supplier Strategy and Programs Specialist is an ongoing contact for bid information. Within this broader vendor landscape, UGA also runs a Business Development Program that recruits small, minority, women-, and veteran-owned businesses specifically, through expos, networking events, and “How to Do Business with UGA” workshops. Visit UGA Procurement

Economic and Community Development Angel Taylor Membership Development Representative (714) 951-1084 angel@claytonchamber.org

The Clayton County Chamber of Commerce is a private, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the local economy by supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Through advocacy, leadership development, marketing support, and networking opportunities, the Chamber helps businesses open their doors, grow, and thrive. With member investments of time and resources, we work to enhance the civic, economic, and cultural vitality of Clayton County. Visit Clayton Chamber of Commerce

Brandon McCarden Marketing Coordinator (678) 618-0623 brandon.mccarden@clayto ncountyga.gov

Clayton County's Economic Development office is the county's lead point of contact for business attraction, expansion, and retention, working directly with site selectors and prospective companies. Clayton County is designated a Tier 1 Tax Credit County, offering the highest state job tax credit available in the 10-county metro Atlanta region, and the office operates a GISbased site-selection portal covering the county's 144 square miles to help businesses find suitable locations. For small businesses specifically, the office runs a Small Business Incubator program and offers direct consultation on location and expansion decisions. The county's transportation infrastructure — 11 interstate exits across four interstates plus two state highways — makes it a strong fit for logistics, distribution, food processing, and aviation-sector businesses. Visit Clayton Co. Economic Development

Jamese Beauford Director of Membership & Growth (770) 461-9983 jamese@fayettechamber.org

Leonardo McClarty President/CEO (678) 214-3807 leonardo@fayettechamber.org

Membership includes access to 40-plus networking opportunities and more than a dozen annual events, such as business summits, golf tournaments, and awards celebrations, plus a member directory, job-posting platforms, and connections to workforce resources like WorkSource Georgia. The Chamber publishes Source Magazine, a county business directory and visitor guide, offers Certificate of Origin services for exporters, and hosts ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses. It also advocates for member interests with local elected officials and shares economic-development trend data to help owners plan ahead. Leadership Fayette, the Chamber's leadership-development program, and member discounts round out its offerings. Visit Fayette Chamber of Commerce

Lori Funderwhite Director of Economic Development (770) 719-4175 lfunderwhite@fayetteville-ga.gov

Melodie Green Economic Development Coordinator (678) 839-5082 mgreen@fayetteville-ga.gov

The City of Fayetteville's Economic Development Department helps small businesses start, locate, and grow in the city, with a 5-Year Action Plan that prioritizes restaurants and retail. Support includes a revitalized Façade Grant Program, administered through the Downtown Development Authority, to enhance the historic character of downtown buildings, plus a broader Incentive Programs section for additional opportunities. Staff work directly with companies considering expansion or new facilities in Fayetteville, offering responsive, collaborative problem-solving rather than a one-size-fits-all process.

Visit Fayetteville Economic Development

Rochelle Dennis Economic Development Director (404) 366-4720 rdennis@forestparkga.gov

Charise Clay Main Street Manager (404) 366-4720 cclay@forestparkga.gov

The City of Forest Park’s Economic Development Department supports small-business growth and larger corporate growth, particularly in the industrial sector. The Economic Development Department’s responsibilities include facilitating development at the Gillem Logistics Center, redeveloping the Forest Park Main Street District, developing film and tourism, workforce development, and improving commercial development in target areas. Visit City of Forest Park Economic Development

Jeremy Stratton Director jstratton@cityofgriffin.com

The City of Griffin’s Economic Development Department recruits new businesses, supports existing ones, and helps match companies with available buildings and sites. It also manages Downtown Griffin, working with the Griffin Main Street Program, Griffin Downtown Council, and Griffin Downtown Development Authority to support businesses in the historic downtown district. Resources include a Starting a Business Guide for new entrepreneurs and access to zoned tax incentives, including Georgia’s Opportunity Zone program, which offers state job tax credits to businesses that create jobs within designated zones. The department also supports film and tourism-related business activity in Griffin. Visit City of Griffin Economic Development

Lisa Fareed Downtown Development Manager lfareed@stockbridgega.gov

Christine Chavis Economic Development Coordinator cchavis@stockbridgega.gov

The City of Stockbridge’s Economic Development Department operates citywide through three divisions, not just downtown incentives. The Office of Downtown Development partners with the Main Street District and the Downtown Development Authority (Select Stockbridge) on façade grants, a Revolving Loan Fund, tax abatements, and occupation tax waivers. The Office of Economic Vitality supports entrepreneurship, small-business development, and workforce partnerships across the city. The Office of Marketing & Special Initiatives promotes Stockbridge to residents, businesses, and visitors. The department also streamlines permitting and helps businesses access state and federal incentives, including job tax credits of up to $1,750 per position. Visit the City of Stockbridge Economic Development

Funding

Jasmine Aimes Commercial Loan Officer (470) 845-1457 aimes@aceloans.org

Chris Clay Director of Lending clay@aceloans.org

Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) is a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that lends to small businesses across Georgia, including entrepreneurs who face barriers to traditional banks. Loans range from $15,000 to $1.5 million, and every loan includes free coaching and connections for the life of the loan, not just capital. ACE's Women's Business Center offers one-on-one coaching, training, and events in English and Spanish, along with programs such as Launch HER, which helps women entrepreneurs move from a business idea to a formal LLC, and Initiate Prosperity. Since 2000, ACE has originated more than $295 million in loans, funded over 2,950 businesses, and provided 500,000-plus hours of business consulting. Visit ACE

Jason Montrois Vice President (478) 277-1500 jmontrois@bankofdudley.com

Melissa Cole Branch Manager (478) 277-1500 mcole@bankofdudley.com

The Bank of Dudley is a Middle Georgia community bank offering relationship-based banking for small businesses: business checking and money market accounts, business loans and lines of credit for startups and established companies, business credit cards, and merchant services for payment processing. Lending decisions are made locally, so owners work directly with bankers who understand small and family-owned businesses rather than a one-size-fits-all process. Visit Bank of Dudley

Earl Camp Vice President Earl.camp@nowcorp.com

NOW Corp offers Revenue on Demand™, a working capital product—structured as a receivables purchase, not a loan—to help small, growing B2B businesses get paid faster on outstanding invoices without taking on debt or giving up equity. Instead of waiting 30-90 days for customers — including government agencies and large corporations — to pay, businesses can access funds tied to approved invoices soon after delivery, easing cash flow for payroll and operations. Now supports a range of businesses including agencies, consultants, and other B2B providers. Visit NOW Corp

James Reid, Jr. Relationship Manager 770-203-4996 James.reidjr@pnc.com

Lauren Moore Relationship Banker 770-473-3045 lauren.moore@pnc.com

PNC Bank provides small business banking, lending, and cash management: business checking with Cash Flow Insight®, credit cards, lines of credit, term loans, SBA financing, and vehicle/real estate financing. PNC Merchant Services® enables in-person, online, and contactless payments, while PINACLE® and payroll processing support treasury operations. PNC also offers retirement plans, HSA administration, industry-tailored guidance, and resources for women- and veteran-owned businesses. Visit PNC Bank

Dan Thomas. SBA Lender (404) 433-8405 Dan.thomas@renasant.com

Renasant Bank offers full-service small business banking, from Business Basics checking to Business Extra and Commercial Analysis Checking, plus commercial savings and money market accounts. Lending options include SBA loans, asset-based lending, and equipment financing/leasing for businesses scaling from startup to enterprise size, alongside business credit and debit cards. Treasury management tools cover ACH services, positive pay fraud protection, merchant card processing, lockbox services, and investment sweep accounts, while business mobile banking and an online loan-payment system support day-to-day operations. Renasant also offers retirement plan services for business owners looking to provide employee benefits. Visit Renasant Bank Tammy Powell Branch Leader (678) 632-9184 tammypowell@truist.com

Cheryl Shelnutt Workplace Banking & Financial Empowerment Leader (770) 304-7745 Cheryl.shelnutt@truist.com

Truist Bank offers full-service small business banking: Simple, Dynamic, and Community Business Checking, money market accounts, and CDs; business loans, lines of credit, equipment/real estate/auto financing, and rewards credit cards; merchant services, online payroll with automatic tax filing, and Zelle; and mobile banking with alerts, mobile deposit, and fraud monitoring. Truist also offers employee benefits, business insurance, and “Business Lifecycle Planning” guidance for expansion, hiring, or succession. Visit Truist Bank

Brady Joiner Commercial Banker bjoiner@unitedbank.net

Tara Williams Vice President/Commercial Lender 770-504-7006 ttwilliams@unitedbank.net

Founded in 1905, United Bank serves the middle Georgia market through 18 locations, offering the latest financial solutions including business and personal loans, mobile banking apps, chipprotected credit and debit cards, and Interactive Teller Machines (ITM’s), as well as mortgage and wealth management services. United Bank Government Guaranteed loans aid existing and new small businesses. Through the GGL loans, we can help businesses achieve their goals within their communities. We believe in providing financial solutions while building relationships with integrity and trust. We are dedicated to our customers and understand that thriving businesses create healthy, sustainable communities. Visit United Bank

Small Business Resource Sponsor Southtree Commercial | (770) 631-0499 | info@stcom.us Founded in 1989, South-Tree Enterprises, now known as Southtree Commercial began as a commercial construction company seeking to add value to the South Metro Atlanta community and beyond by constructing buildings of impact. Since its inception, Southtree has expanded to include four additional capabilities: commercial development, property management, real estate, and civil engineering, serving clients as an "allin-one partner" throughout a project's full lifecycle, from concept through ongoing management. Visit https://stcom.us

Southtree is a 2026 Resource Fair Refreshments Sponsor and Valued Community Partner