UWG News

SBDC announces new director

October 11, 2005

CARROLLTON, GA - Jennifer Ellis Clendenin joined faculty and staff as the new area director of the Small Business Development Center for the University of West Georgia this September.

Clendenin has extensive business experience, including several years as vice president of franchise operations for Breakfast Club America, LLC.

The Spartanburg, S.C., native holds a marketing degree with a concentration in sports marketing from Clemson University and a master’s degree in sports administration with a concentration in business management from the University of Tennessee.

“Throughout my career I have worked for small entrepreneurial companies,” said Clendenin. “Being in a position to assist and guide those types of businesses was a good opportunity for me."

The center is located on the University of West Georgia campus in the Richards College of Business and offers free confidential consulting services for existing small businesses and startups in the five-county area of Carroll, Douglas, Haralson, Heard and Coweta.

Clendenin said the center should be a big help for small business owners feeling the sting of a sluggish economy.

The center’s services include professional financial consulting, training programs, and market research and analysis. It’s a multi-service center more people should know about, said Clendenin.

“One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is waiting until it’s too late to ask for help,” said Clendenin. “I am not saying we’re a cure-all. But we can provide valuable information and resources to guide small businesses in the right direction.”
One of Clendenin’s goal is to increase awareness of SBDC services throughout the west Georgia region. Local entrepreneurs can schedule an appointment to meet with representatives from the SBDC either on campus or at a county Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, call the SBDC at 678-839-5082 or visit www.westga.edu/~sbdc.

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