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Alabama Small Business Development Center Network

C&B Associates: A taxing time with COVID

C & B Associates, LLC is a financial services firm specializing in tax preparation and tax advance loans. The timing of the pandemic could not have been much worse: tax season, when most tax firms generate their most revenue.

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Mr. James Crawford has been working with the Alabama SBDC at the University of West Alabama since 2007. He contacted the SBDC as he was starting C&B Associates, LLC in Selma, AL. He was successful in starting the business. The company serves both individual and commercial clients. In addition to tax assistance they offer bookkeeping, payroll services and IRA’s. The business experienced tremendous growth. Within the first two years, Mr. Crawford was able to hire five additional employees, two years later he added an additional eight new employees as well as a second location in Thomasville, Alabama. Mr. Crawford now has three locations after adding a third location in Montgomery, Alabama in 2018.

“The SBDC has been extremely helpful and personable. When I have an issue I know that I can count on the staff at SBDC to help out. We have had multiple consultations with SBDC staff who helped us plan & strategize to succeed with our goals.”

– James Crawford, Owner

The problem(s) the client faced:
Mr. Crawford’s business was doing well ever since we helped him start the business. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit during their busy tax season. The shut-down in the middle of March and tax filing deadline being moved back put them in a challenging position, as his main revenue stream was almost gone. Just like other small businesses he needed to find a way to sustain business operations and stabilize his finances.

The assistance and help the SBDC provided:
Center personnel provided assistance with putting together the client’s business plan. Also assisted with information for creating his Capabilities Statement. Provided the client with information and assistance as he expanded his business. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, center personnel assisted this client with applying for SBA EIDL Funding and PPP.

Impact of working with SBDC?
The business has a great economic impact in the three locations it serves. C&B is successful and provides job opportunities for local communities. The business currently has 22 employees. With the assistance of the SBDC, Mr. Crawford was able to create and save 22 jobs. He has expressed that assistance during his time of need has been invaluable to his being able to survive and thrive during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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