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America’s SBDCs help make the dream of small business ownership a reality for more Americans — creating jobs and opportunities that build communities throughout the nation.
See how the Alabama SBDC has served its communities.
A Prescription for Rural Success: Jim's Pharmacy at the Lake
Jim Clanton had long desired to open his own pharmacy. While driving on County Road 34 near Dadeville, he jokingly pointed to an empty storefront and said, "We should open a pharmacy right there." To his surprise, Anne's quick response was "let's do it!" The AL SBDC provided market research, demographics and financing solutions. "We couldn't have made the decision to open with confidence without Alabama SBDC's assistance." Today, they're looking to expand.
SARCOR: Sustainable Growth for a Motivated Entrepreneur
"The Alabama SBDC's GrowSmart program was pivotal for me.... I didn't have the opportunity to separate working IN the company from working ON the company." CEO Selena Rodgers Dickerson used GrowSmart as the opportunity she needed to step back and craft a strategic plan for her engineering design company that supports sustainable growth for the company and its personnel.
Birmingham Tech Company Brings Biometric Security to the World
"The assistance we've gotten from the University of Alabama's SBDC and International Trade Center has been outstanding. They have shown us so many valuable resources that we didn't even know were available. More importantly, they've introduced us to some of our largest partners." Diamond Fortress Technologies was the first company to successfully develop a mobile touchless fingerprint biometrics software solution. Today they export to 7 countries and have leads in 20 more!
From Farm to Taproom: Harvest Roots Ferments
The kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut that Pete Halupka & Lindsay Whiteaker sold at farmers markets was an unqualified hit. They quickly outgrew their fermentation facility in Mentone, AL, and could not produce enough to fill existing orders, let alone take on new accounts. The Alabama SBDC Capital Access Program helped them evaluate debt & equity financing options for a much needed expansion. Capacity has since doubled, and in 2020 they opened a kombucha taproom in Birmingham. Cheers!
Immigrant-Owned Restaurant Survives COVID Shutdown With SBDC Guidance
"I was trying to keep it together but panicking! Then a friend recommended I talk with the Alabama SBDC. I talked to my advisor an hour and a half the first time I called her. She was also a small business owner and knew what a state of mind I was in. She has ended up advising me on every step and has even kept me ahead of the game giving me information as quickly as she learns it." Owner and Chef Yanni Tempelis worked with the SBDC to secure PPP funds to help save the business.
Local Joe's navigates COVID shutdown, grows, and gives back
After tapping into PPP & EIDL with Alabama SBDC guidance, Local Joe's focused on helping the community with the "Feed Our Heroes" initiative & fundraiser for healthcare workers.
Veterans Cleaning Solutions: Putting Veterans First
While serving in Afghanistan, Army Aviators Jim McDonough and John Cappadoro agreed that their post-Army careers would involve owning their own business. A few years in they realized they were quickly growing themselves out of business, and turned to the Alabama SBDC at Troy University for help. They developed a 180-day short term plan and a long range plan, corrected their cash flow issues, and today enjoy a booming business that employs 15 veterans and counting.
My Alabama SBDC Advisor has been with me since the very beginning, and we can't thank him enough for all the support he's offered.
Jawanda Jackson, CEO of JaWanda's Sweet Potato Pies
Without the daily Chamber Zoom calls with updates from the Alabama SBDC at UAH, especially in the opening days of the PPP and EIDL programs, we would not have been successful applying for the funds, and I'm convinced we would have closed our doors.
Bob Ludwig, Board Member, Maranatha Camp & Conference Center
