Small Business Development Center
Growing Alabama’s Economy One Small Business at a Time
The mission of the Alabama SBDC at UNA is to strengthen Alabama’s economy by providing high-quality one-on-one confidential assistance, training, and education to small businesses targeted for increasing employment, fostering growth, and improving financial stability.
Part of UNA’s College of Business, the Alabama SBDC at UNA has been offering advising and training services at no cost to current and prospective small business owners in the area since its inception in 1980. SBDC advisors have years of experience in working with the small business community and are ready to assist with your business endeavors. The SBDC maintains a business library of books, publications, and videos at the Center available for use by the business community.
Small Business Advising
We offer advising services at no cost to current and prospective small business owners in the SBDC’s nine-county service area (Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin, Lawrence, Marion, Lamar, Fayette, Winston and Walker Counties).
Types of assistance include but are not limited to:
- Business Plan Development
- Marketing
- Loan Proposals/Packaging
- Financial Analysis
- Identifying Sources of Funding
- Recordkeeping, Budgeting, and Managing Cash Flow
- Government Contracting Opportunities
The SBDC maintains a business library of books, publications, and videos for your use. The library is available Monday–Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Financing
Access to Capital is a major need for new and existing entrepreneurs as they start and grow their small business. The Alabama SBDC at UNA provides information on financing options available to small businesses and assistance in preparing a loan application with documentation necessary to obtain the capital needed. Advisors can assist you in identifying sources of funding, determining the amount of funding needed, preparing financial projections and preparing you for meeting with lenders and potential investors.
Learn more about SBA’s loan programs on their website.
Downloadable Resources
Procurement
The Alabama SBDC at UNA has offered assistance to companies that want to compete for government contracts since 1985. This procurement technical assistance center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency. Advisors can provide answers to basic contracting questions, assistance with registrations/certifications, networking opportunities, assistance with preparation of capabilities statements and assist with other business needs so your company can be more effective in competing for government contracts.
Resources
The Alabama SBDC at UNA partners with other small business support and advocacy organizations in Alabama and refers to and receives referrals from these organizations.
- US Small Business Administration – Birmingham District Office
- Service Corps of Retired Executives
- Women’s Business Centers
- ADECA: State Small Business Credit Initiative
Chambers of Commerce
- Shoals (Colbert & Lauderdale Counties)
- Lawrence County
- Hamilton Area (Marion County)
- Haleyville Area (Winston County)
- Walker County
- Fayette Area
- Franklin County
- Lamar County
- Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT)
- International Trade
- Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES)
- Alabama Department of Revenue
- Internal Revenue Service
- Alabama Incubator Network
- Disaster Assistance
Contact Us
Small Business Development Center
University of North Alabama
541 W College St
P.O. Box 5250
Florence, AL 35632-0001
256-765-4629 Phone
256-765-4813 Fax
Kimberly Hughston, Director
University of North Alabama
541 West College Street
Florence, AL 35632-0001
Phone: 256-765-5011
Email: khughston@una.edu
Michael Butz, Associate Director
University of North Alabama
541 West College Street
Florence, AL 35632-0001
Phone: 256-765-4599
Email: mcbutz@una.edu