Small businesses are important to Alabama’s economy, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening communities throughout the state. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99.4% of all businesses in Alabama and employ nearly half of the state’s private workforce, which equates to approximately 774,000 individuals.1
Whether you’re in the early stages of developing your business plan or seeking to expand your existing operation in Alabama, there are a number of free and low-cost programs to provide advice, resources, and ongoing support to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of running a small business.
Related: Guide to Starting a Business in Alabama
Alabama Microenterprise Network (AMN)
The Alabama Microenterprise Network (AMN) is a statewide nonprofit association that bridges the divide between microbusinesses, the entities that serve them, and the communities that benefit from them. AMN is supported by its member organizations and community partners.
AMN provides resources, training, and networking opportunities to help microbusinesses thrive. They connect entrepreneurs with local support services, advocate for policies that benefit microbusinesses, and work to create an ecosystem that fosters the growth and success of these small but vital enterprises.
Area served: Statewide Alabama
Alabama Small Business Development Center
The Alabama Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) Network is a statewide program that provides management and technical assistance to small businesses in Alabama. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The ASBDC Network offers one-on-one business advising, educational training, and specialized services such as capital access assistance, government contracting assistance, and international trade assistance. Through consultation, in-depth analysis, and plan development, Professional Business Advisors help small business owners acquire the tools they need to succeed.
Area served: The ASBDC Network serves the entire state of Alabama, with 10 Small Business Development Centers located throughout the state.
Alabama SCORE
SCORE Alabama is a business assistance program that provides free mentoring and affordable workshops to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. The program is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and local sponsors.
SCORE Alabama offers free, confidential small business mentoring for startup and existing businesses. The program’s mentors are highly successful and seasoned business professionals and entrepreneurs who have the experience and knowledge to help clients achieve their business goals. In addition to mentoring, SCORE Alabama hosts affordable small business workshops, including online webinars and live in-person sessions.
Area served: SCORE Alabama serves the Anniston, Birmingham, Montgomery, Fairhope, and Mobile areas.
APEX Alabama
APEX Alabama is a business assistance program that helps entrepreneurs navigate the government procurement process and become more competitive in the government marketplace. The program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
The APEX Alabama program provides no-charge advising, nominal fees for some training events, confidential one-on-one sessions, and assistance with SBA Contracting Programs & Other Certifications.
Area served: APEX Procurement specialists are co-located with SBDCs throughout Alabama.
Alabama International Trade Center
The Alabama International Trade Center (ITC) is a partnership program between the University of Alabama and the U.S. Small Business Administration that helps small businesses throughout Alabama with international trade and exporting. The program is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The International Trade Center provides free and confidential services, including evaluation of a company’s readiness to export, access to foreign market information, documentation assistance, and training to existing and new companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities. The center offers information, counseling, and training to help businesses navigate the complexities of international trade.
Area served: The Alabama International Trade Center serves small businesses throughout the state of Alabama.
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