The Consortium's mission is to enhance economic growth by making Alabama small businesses more competitive through the provision of entrepreneurial assistance.
www.asbdc.org
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns.
www.sba.gov
Guide to Alabama State Small Business Services and Resources
How to tap a wealth of helpful state and regional-level solutions
While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a wide range of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as solutions live in many different places.
Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these places:
- State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
- State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
- Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
- Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Seek out expert business advice
The Alabama Small Business Development Consortium (ASBDC) offers free advice, research and training from experts in a variety of business areas. The state has 11 ASBDC centers.
I recommend:
Discover more at Asbdc.org, where you can find a center.
Know the business start-up basics
The ASBDC publishes a free online guide, Doing Business in Alabama: A Handbook, which covers the fundamentals for starting and operating a small business in the state.
I recommend:
Download the guide; topics include a start-up checklist, how to write a business plan, a guide to state business taxes and more.
Find the best property
The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama maintains a database of available business space. You can search by square footage, location and proximity to major transportation.
I recommend:
Begin your search at Advantage Alabama.
Take advantage of tax incentives
Alabama offers numerous business tax breaks for business and industries. Categories include income tax, property and sales tax, and business privileges.
I recommend:
Review the incentives and download a tax booklet
Locate small business-friendly lenders
The state's Small Business Administration (SBA) Office can help you apply for SBA loans. The SBA also ranks state banks in terms of experience with small business loans.
I recommend:
Find SBA loans, and view bank rankings.
SCORE more free help for your biz
SCORE, 'Counselors to America's small business' is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.
I recommend:
These are SCORE Alabama offices: Fairhope - Baldwin County SCORE; Birmingham - North Alabama SCORE.
Save money with business incubators
Incubators in Alabama can save start-up costs by sharing basic office space, equipment, and personnel with other small businesses. They are ideal for single entrepreneurs or businesses with small staffs.
I recommend:
See a list of Alabama incubators.
Utilize women small business resources
The Central Alabama Women's Business Center offers entrepreneurs first-rate counseling, training, and networking opportunities to further promote their business.
I recommend:
The centers serve seven of the state's largest counties; sign up for services.
Snag state-level help from the SBA
District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.
I recommend:
Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide- Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
- Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
- Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
- The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
- Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.
