Veterans Turn to Alabama's SBDC Counselors for Business Success

Over the last two years, the Alabama SBDC Network has assisted over 900 veterans with their small businesses.  Whether you want to start a new business, acquire financing through the Patriot Express program, or pursue government contracts, the Alabama SBDC Network gives you direct access to a team of experienced and certified professionals.  

SBA Loans to Alabama Companies Jump 65%

Government-backed loans given to Alabama's small business community increased 65% during the fiscal year (ending 9/30/11) to $178.7 million, from $108.2 million the previous fiscal year.  Many lenders and borrows took advantage of an increased guaranty rate of 90% and temporarily-waived loan fees.  This article from the Birmingham Business Journal is just one example of how SBA loans and the Alabama SBDC Network can help small businesses.

The Alabama SBDC Network helped its clients gain access to over $40 million in loan and equity financing during the last fiscal year.  If your business needs financing for survival or growth, or you need working capital for exports or government contracts, contact one of our finance specialists today! 

2011 State Star Award & Counselor Accolades

Procurement Specialist Judy Callin, SBDC at Troy University, was named the 2011 State Star for the Alabama SBDC Network.  This award is given annually to a business counselor with exemplary performance and significant contribution to the small business community.  Read what Judy's clients had to say about her efforts in the wiregrass region.  

One of the most valuable assets that the Alabama SBDC Network has is our talented and experienced staff of counselors, and we'd like to share a few of their recent accolades with you.  To tap into the wealth of knowledge that our business counselors, procurement specialists, and international trade specialists have to offer, contact the center nearest to you.     

• Calhoun County's Small Business Advocate of the Year - Robbie Medders, JSU
• SBA Awards the SBDC at Auburn University with Excellence and Innovation Award
• Carol DeCastra Recognized by SBA for Disaster Response Efforts

Is Franchising for You?

Do you want the freedom and control of owning your own business? Have you ever thought about hte advantages of operating your own franchise?  The 2011 Franchise Expo was held on October 12 at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center; Over 140 people attended the event.  Featured franchises included leaders in the categories of Personal Care, Cleaning and Maintenance, Senior Care, Staffing B2B, Pest Control/Home Services, Security and Investigations, Digital and Imaging/Signage & Graphics.  Our consultants can help prospective owners find a brand that best suits their financing, skills and goals.
Want to learn more about franchising opportunities?  Contact the Alabama SBDC Network's State Office at 205-348-1582 or email ASBDC@ua.edu

Alabama Launchpad: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference, Sept 23

Alabama built the rockets that took man to the moon. Life-saving discoveries are being made in Alabama institutions. New patents are being filed across the state. So where do we go from here?

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation, presented the inaugural Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference, a "Launchpad" to bring together and engage the various groups seeking to grow Alabama's entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, on September 23rd.

Innovation and entrepreneurship is vital to Alabama's economic development efforts, and the Alabama SBDC Network is committed to facilitating forward momentum for the development of these activities within the state. 

Disaster Assistance & Business Continuity:
Preparedness, Recovery, Financing Options

If your small business or private, nonprofit organization has suffered economic injury (lost customers, lost contracts, etc), regardless of physical damage, and is located in a declared disaster area, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Alabama SBDC Network counselors can help you with disaster loans and recovery plans.

• Overview, Fact Sheet, Filing Deadlines
• Fact Sheet for Businesses of All Sizes
• Fact Sheet for Homeowners and Renters
• Allowable use of proceeds
  
• Economic Injury Disaster Loan Overview
  • Download all EIDL forms in one easy PDF
• NEW: Disaster Resource Guidebook
• Disaster Assistance Resources
• Alabama SBDC Network Locations
• Managing Employees After a Disaster
• IRS Publication: Disaster Loss Kit for Businesses  
• Small Business Disaster Preparation: What you can do before a disaster
• Sample Business Emergency Plan

SBA's 2012 Small Business Exporter of the Year:

Coming soon!

SBA Loans are a Bright Spot in Gloomy Economy:    Wall Street Journal

SBA-backed loans in the past have made up only a small portion of overall small-business loans—around 7% to 8% according to the SBA's estimations. But thanks to stimulus-related measures, SBA loans this year could be "pushing 10% to 15%," according to industry expert Bob Coleman, who keeps a pulse on SBA lending through his independent publication, the Coleman Report.  Read more about SBA loan growth>>

New Technology Guide Helps Entrepreneurs Grow Their Businesses, Create Jobs

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Microsoft have teamed up to develop this free, comprehensive guide on how technology can improve the small business owner’s chances for success. The Business Technology Simplified guidebook includes fundamentals on the importance of technology, and on how it can be used to achieve a business’s goals. In the guidebook’s foreword, Earvin “Magic” Johnson writes about his
journey in developing a multimillion dollar company and the value of technology to remain competitive.  Learn more about the SBA/Microsoft Technology Guide, and how your small business can take advantage.  >>>>