Michael Brooks Named State Director of the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama has named Michael Brooks as State Director of the Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, effective September 1, 2026.
Brooks succeeds Bill Cummins and brings more than 25 years of experience supporting Alabama businesses through leadership roles at the University of Alabama with both the Alabama SBDC Network and the Alabama International Trade Center.
Most recently, Brooks served as Associate Director of the Alabama SBDC Network, where he led statewide initiatives focused on operational excellence, performance management, and continuous improvement. Prior to that role, he worked with the Alabama International Trade Center, assisting Alabama companies in expanding into global markets and strengthening their international competitiveness.
Throughout his career, Brooks has worked closely with SBDC professionals, economic development organizations, lenders, entrepreneurs, and public-sector partners across Alabama to advance small business growth and economic opportunity.
As State Director, he will provide strategic leadership for the statewide network and continue advancing the Alabama SBDC’s mission of helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed through confidential advising, training, and access to critical resources.
Brooks says, “Our mission remains clear: helping Alabama businesses start stronger, grow faster and compete more effectively. Every day, the Alabama SBDC Network creates economic opportunity, strengthens communities and delivers measurable impact. I am fortunate to work with an outstanding team of talented advisors that are dedicated to that mission.”
About the Alabama SBDC Network
The Alabama Small Business Development Center Network provides no-cost, confidential business advising and educational resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Alabama. Working in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, The University of Alabama, and numerous public and private partners, the Alabama SBDC helps businesses start, grow, and thrive. Over the last five years, client-verified and attributed results include over 1,500 new businesses and $416 million in growth capital, with 8,840 new jobs.
