Gina Garrett’s journey into entrepreneurship started unexpectedly when she began baking cookies as a fundraiser for a family cause. The enthusiastic response she received turned her hobby into a steady stream of orders, and before she knew it, Gina was…
ReNew Physical Therapy and Performance, LLC, founded by Selena Inman and Morgan Duncan, opened in 2021. While they had extensive experience in physical therapy in the corporate healthcare industry, the duo sought assistance from the Alabama SBDC (Small Business Development…
Sederick Smith is a true testament to perseverance, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey began with a dream fueled by a passion for business and a background as a welder. Sederick always felt a drive for entrepreneurship, and shows…
Leaf & Petal, a treasured garden and home center, has grown from a small family-owned business into a thriving retail hub. Jamie Pursell’s family purchased Leaf & Petal in 2005 with a single location in Mountain Brook Village, Alabama. The…
Heather Wright, regional manager / finance specialist for the Alabama SBDC, was selected by the America’s SBDC national association as the winner of its Top 40 Under 40 designation from among small business advisors across the country. Forty individuals were…
Emily Moore, Research Director / Finance Specialist at the Alabama SBDC, has been selected as Alabama’s 2024 “State Star,” the highest recognition for individual achievement, acknowledging exemplary performance that has a significant and positive impact on advancing small business efforts.…
Rike's Tacos: From High School Dreams to Business Expansion and Community Impact Rike's Tacos is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that began with a single location in Ariton in 2019. The Tzanahua family, including brothers Anthony and Rike, had a vision…
Building an insurance agency from the ground up, with help from the SBDC. Duane Tolbert is the owner/operator of Tolbert Insurance Agency Inc. located in Oneonta. The State Farm Agency is an integral part of the business fabric of Blount…
In the historic Centennial Hill district of Montgomery, Alabama, Valerie Smedley pursued her entrepreneurial dream by opening a unique tourist souvenir gift shop. Her journey to becoming a small business owner is rooted in her deep connection to the area…
Cutter's Pizzeria: Serving the community one slice at a time Cutter’s Pizzeria & Wings is a pizza parlor in the small northeast Alabama town of Alexandria. It is a family-owned restaurant with strong ties to the community and a dedication…