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.

Small businesses have a big impact in rural communities and the Alaska SBDC is proud to support them. In 2020 Alaska SBDC advisors assisted 241 rural clients to start 21 new businesses and raise almost $9 million in new capital.

JIN Printing is a new business start-up in 2019 owned by Esther Posala. In her counseling sessions she explained that opening her own business was a long overdue dream of hers. AS SBDC helped in areas such as how to expand her business, how to use online marketing resources, and how to increase revenue by identifying needs in her market. Esther believes that her business will continue to grow and plans to keep utilizing AS SBDC services to stay competitive and prosper in the years ahead.

Morgan Fatalli's rural store is also home to a mission that provides deliveries of food and supplies to the nearby Navajo Nation residents. The SBDC helped Hank's obtain a Series 6 exemption to re-open, receive two business grants, and apply for EIDL.

The Wilson family timber operation, including two logging companies, a lumber company, an equipment company, and a forestry management company, employs more than 100 people in rural Cleveland County. The coronavirus and a rainy spring slowed production. With guidance from Aimee Weaver of the UAM ASBTDC, Harrell Wilson was able to obtain nearly $2M in PPP and EIDL funding. The companies provide 115 jobs in the Rison area.