I Am A Small Business Owner

Small Business Resources

The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County is full of resources to help you grow your business.

Before you look any further, it is important to consider what development stage your business is currently in.

STAGE ONE: First-time/start-up business

Are you starting a business for the first time? The early stages of development can determine your profitability in the years to come. It is important that you work closely with the start-up mentor organization to increase your chances of success.

STAGE TWO: New business – year 1 – 5

Depending on the type of business you won, your “new business’ stage may last anywhere from one to five years. Now your operations are underway and new resources may be needed, along with a network of professional to support your activities. If the organizations in this guide don’t have what you’re looking for, they will help you find additional resources.

STAGE THREE: Mature business – over 5 years

Even the most experienced entrepreneurs must periodically take a fresh look at their business and make significant changes to meet the needs of the ever-changing market. There are local organizations listed in this guide that are ready and willing to help at this stage. Still not sure who to contact? Any of the organizations listed below will spend time helping you identify the resources you need. Your venture's success is important to our community’s future.

Your Business Resources

Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County

Servicing business is the top priority for the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County. We can set the foundation for you to grow your business with the following services:

• A setting and environment in which you can network and expand your personal and professional connections
• Low-cost marketing and training opportunities
• Promotion of your business and the community through our website and media activities
• We will advocate for your business at every opportunity

Please check our events calendar and website for a current list of activities, benefits and services available at the Chamber. Also feel free to stop by our office, our doors are always open to you.

For more information, go to Small Business & Events page.

Contact: 

Pammie Jimmar
Small Business & Events Director
pjimmar@hsvchamber.org
256-535-2043

Mitzi Floyd
Small BusinessCoordinator
mfloyd@hsvchamber.org
256-535-2089

The mission of the Women's Business Center of North Alabama is to help women and men start and grow a business and generate economic growth for the region. This is accomplished by serving as the premier source for information and access to resources; facilitating their self-discovery and personal development; and providing a mentoring process to support, nurture and advocate the development of their business.

Our services include start-up assistance and nurturing, business coaching and training, access to financing, the Government Procurement Assistance Center, networking opportunities, referrals to other resources, and a ready-made network of contacts.

For more information, visit www.wbcna.org

UAHuntsville SBDC / PTAC

Mission Statement: For both start-ups and existing small business, to be a catalyst and essential resource for successful growth and profitability through free business counseling and affordable business training.

Your Partner for Success: Our qualified staff provides professional assistance and direction to pre-venture businesses, small business owners, and managers.

Counselors can assist you in all stages of starting your own business including:

• Feasibility Studies
• Developing a Business Plan
• Licensing
• Marketing
• Business Management
• Taxes
• Accounting
• Human Resources

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Support Services

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Support Services ensure that disadvantaged business firms have the maximum opportunity to participate in federal, state, and city contracts.

It is a program administered by three USDOT operating administrations. They are the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. The program is implemented by the Alabama Department of Transportation.

Program Goals:

• Provide counseling, technical assistance and other business management services to certified DBE firms in the state of Alabama.
• Create opportunities for DBE firms to network with prime contractors and procurement officers
• Assist with producing ready, willing, and able DBE firms so that they may move into the mainstream of the highway construction industry
• Recruit new firms into the program

Contact: 

DBE Supportive Services Alabama A&M 
University School of Business, RM 113 
P.O. Box 429, Normal, AL 35762
1-256-372-8667  or 1-800-393-4847 (toll free line) 
256-372-5683 (fax)

Mission Statement: Our mission is to increase the number of successful technology-based companies in Huntsville-Madison County, Alabama. We help new entrepreneurs gain access to mentors, group experiences, training, shared space, professional assistance, and capital that will move them onto the fast track to success.

We are a not-for-profit business incubator in Huntsville, Ala. right across the street from UAHuntsville, with whom we have an alliance to incubate technology

Biz Tech provides:

• Office space and support
• Mentoring and collaboration
• Access to investors

For more information please visit www.biztech.org