The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC), helped Poonam Datta create a thriving adult day care center and then, thanks to continued support from UGA SBDC, she expanded to into two other areas, including home care and structured family care. Each service area has experienced strong growth and UGA SBDC remains a valuable partner for Datta as her business continues to thrive.
“The UGA SBDC really gives us clarity,” said Poonam Datta. “Working with SBDC helps us know when to move forward and when to take a step back. It shows us what decisions are right or wrong for our business.”
A Passion for Seniors Turns Into A Thriving Business
“When my in-laws were living with us, I saw how it changed their quality of life,” said Poonam Datta. “Having just moved here from India, there was a language barrier, they couldn’t drive and they didn’t have friends. It became very lonely for them, and I knew there were others in the same situation.”
Her experience led her to leave her corportate career and set her on a path to enhancing the lives of senior citizens. First, she create Seva, an adult day care center in Norcross focusing on improving the quality of life for seniors. Seva Adult Day Care, which means “service with gratitude,” gives seniors citizens a place to go and connect with their peers through daily activities including yoga, bingo, trivia, games, music and fellowship.
In 2020, just three years after opening, Seva was at capacity with 60 seniors visiting each day. With capacity maxed out and rent increasing, Poonam Datta and her son and business partner, Chirag Datta, were ready to expand.
UGA SBDC becomes a partner
The Dattas reached out to Glenn Kruse, business consultant at the UGA SBDC in Gwinnett, for guidance, launching a long-standing partnership between the Dattas and the UGA SBDC.
Kruse worked with them to review real estate options and coached them through developing the financial projections needed to…
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