The Alabama Association of Regional Councils is composed of twelve regions. Its mission is to expand and strengthen the capabilities of Regional Councils to serve local governments and the citizens of Alabama.

Alabama’s small business incubators provide office space, in-house shared clerical and administrative services, loan programs and an entrepreneurial environment for businesses just starting. They also provide one-on-one business counseling and seminars.

ADEM’s Permits & Services Division provides essential information and assistance that small businesses need to navigate through the state regulation and permit process.

ADEM’s Ombudsman Office assists small businesses in complying with environmental rules and serves as a liaison between ADEM, small business, local governments and the general public to keep these groups informed of regulatory changes and opportunities.

The Workers’ Compensation Division is responsible for the administration of the Alabama Workers’ Compensation Law to ensure proper payment of benefits to employees injured on the job and encourage safety in the work place.

Recruitment and disability management

The Office of Taxpayer Advocacy has been established to provide an avenue of relief, to identify systemic problems, and to offer suggestions for improvement in procedures.

AERN is a program to enhance business development throughout rural Alabama. Assistance comes in the form of access to computers and peripheral equipment, strong training emphasis via materials, workshops and seminars and online resources.

The William R. Bennett Alabama International Trade Center, located at the University of Alabama, provides export research, training, and financing services to Alabama’s small business community.

Alabama Launchpad is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to support and promote high-growth entrepreneurship and innovation in Alabama. The organization is a partnership among the state’s research universities and the business community.

Alabama MicroEnterprise Network (AMEN)is a 501(c)(3) organization that speaks with one voice to serve, educate and empower the microenterprise service providers in Alabama and the entrepreneurs they represent. AMEN is a member organization comprised of people and organizations that advocate for and support the growth and development of Alabama’s microenterprise community.

The Business Entity Division operates as a depository for records of domestic entities and foreign entities that have qualified to transact business in Alabama. The types of entities we serve include For-Profit Corporations, Non-Profit Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Limited Partnerships, Registered Limited Liability Partnerships, and Limited Liability Limited Partnerships.

The Source for SBA 504 Lending. The program is designed to assist small to medium-sized companies that are considered fiscally healthy. In certain instances, the SBA 504 Loan Program may also be used to finance start-up businesses.

Working with the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Alabama SBDC Network provides assistance with a variety of needs, including business planning, financing, exporting and importing, and government contract procurement.

The Linked Deposit Program is a partnership between the Treasury and Alabama banks for the benefit of agricultural and small business operations, and to provide disaster relief funds when applicable.

ATN Mission: ATN provides the most innovative technical assistance and training to continually improve Alabama businesses and industries.

CEII offers loans to start-up and expanding business enterprises ranging from $2,500 to $150,000. Loan applications are available on line, or by calling our office. Applicants MUST provide all requested information. Contact a loan officer for more info.

To provide quality service through effective teamwork and communication with state agencies and vendors alike, in order to fulfill the purchasing needs of the State of Alabama in a professional, legal, responsive and timely manner.

(DOT) has in effect a policy of helping small business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including minorities and women, in participating in contracting opportunities created by DOT financial assistance programs.

Certified Development Corporations that originates SBA 504 loans for fixed asset financing.

Primary Area Served: Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, Lawrence and Limestone. Legal Services Alabama helps people and communities throughout the state develop microenterprise.

We’re LiftFund, formerly known as Accion Texas Inc, and for over twenty years we’ve provided millions of dollars in small business loans to deserving entrepreneurs. We’re proud to say that LiftFund’s mission is to help the most vulnerable people in our society who are striving for a better life. They need access to capital, education and a support system to realize their potential and increase their chances for success. We provide those things.

The office provides information on procurement and contracting opportunities with federal, state, county and city agencies and assist in meeting state procurement opportunities. OMBE also provides certification for minority and female owned businesses.

The Small Business Office of Advocacy fosters the growth of Alabama’s small operations by giving them a variety of assistance. The office provides information to businesses, and the needs and concerns of small-business owners are regularly addressed.

Our procurement specialists use innovative technology and sound business practices to assist Alabama businesses in obtaining local, state and federal government contracts.

The Southern Development Council, Inc. (SDC) can assist you in obtaining the financing you need to start or expand your qualifying business.

We are building upon our core values of diversity and inclusion to create a competitive advantage as we grow. Spire is committed to creating economic opportunities that reflect all the communities we serve.

NFIB’s purpose is to impact public policy at the state and federal level and be a key business resource for small and independent business. Advocacy is a top priority for NFIB. NFIB provides timely information designed to help small businesses succeed.

TruFund Financial Services, Inc. (TruFund) is a national not-for-profit organization with $50 million in assets under management. We seek to stimulate economic development in communities that are underserved by traditional banking institutions by providing affordable capital, hands-on business assistance, and innovative solutions to small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and real estate developers.

TruFund’s lending activities are designed to strengthen the capacity of faith-based and community organizations, community development corporations, small businesses, and large-scale development projects. TruFund works closely with community-based partners to develop and operate programs that address specific capital gaps within local markets, and seeks to obtain funding commitments from local financial institutions to serve local needs. Our products range along the continuum of credit from multi-million-dollar New Markets Tax Credits projects to microenterprise loans for new entrepreneurs.

Free counseling, advice and information on starting and/or expanding a business is available through a network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), the Service Corps of Retired Executives Association (SCORE), and the Women’s Business Centers.