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THE MICRO BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

The Micro Business Accelerator Program is an economic development initiative that aims to fulfill the mission to build and accelerate stronger micro businesses that support community initiatives, make substantial capital investments, and create jobs. The purpose of the Micro Business Accelerator program is to equip Alabama microbusinesses, specifically in underrepresented communities, with the business tools & knowledge as well as access to services that they need to be competitive and create generational wealth in their communities. We aim to build trust and support small businesses by providing tools resources through instructional workshops, partnership with key resource providers, and access to one- to-one, client-centered support tools. Our trusted partners are subject matter experts who provide participants with the knowledge and expertise to help them become more efficient, create more structure, have a clear profit strategy that works, and ultimately expand and create jobs. The Micro Business Accelerator Program provides entrepreneurs business owners with practical business knowledge tools. The instructional portion focuses on 4 main areas - Finance and Accounting, Strategic Planning, Marketing, and Operational Management. In addition, accelerator participants will have access to bonus modules covering topics such as business legal structure, patenting, negotiating commercial leases, or becoming a qualified borrower. Our comprehensive accelerator not only provides instructional guidance, but it also gives you access to our Productivity Tools for Entrepreneurs and Business Improvement Teams which provide one-on-one training and technical assistance in the covered course areas as well as technical training on applications such as QuickBooks, Google Docs, Microsoft Suite, and so much more.

THE ALABAMA SMALL BUSINESS RESILIENCY CENTER DISASTER RELIEF PROGRAM

“Being prepared now will save you time and resources in the future” -America SBDC

The Alabama Small Business Resiliency Center helps businesses plan and prepare through disaster and emergency preparedness training. The Alabama Small Business Resiliency Center Disaster Relief Program is arranged to follow a four-phase process in which we also use as our evaluation: Identify, Plan, Implement, and Recover. The AL SBRC has partnered with an alliance of experts to facilitate training, disseminate valuable information to business owners and to provide resources for survival and growth during times of hardship. Our hope is that with proper implementation of this planning process, it will not simply be a one-time exercise, but rather a continually improving process. Thoughtful planning will give rise to resilient and thriving businesses that have maintained sustainability through the crises. CARA is a bridge to those resources and guides the pathway to resiliency. Currently there are three (3) Alabama Small Business Resiliency Center locations – Autauga County, Dallas County, and Jefferson County – with plans to open additional locations soon. The AL SBRCs provide training and support in Accounting, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Operational Management, Public Relations, Co-working space, and Media services at NO COST to the business. The AL SBRCs will also include business teams (case managers, technical assistance, and mentors) and educational training (business modules and virtual workshops on how to improve your small business) which is also at NO COST to the business. Corporate partnerships allow us to provide Small Business Scholarships for services rendered to help with our initiative.