Small Business Development

Developing a network of resources and programs designed to build a cohesive base for small businesses in the Calhoun County area is the goal of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Development Department.

The department was created to help foster and stimulate an entrepreneurial culture in the Calhoun County Area, as well as provide a strong voice for local small businesses. Using a variety of tools and resources, including one-on-one counseling, networking events, seminars and capital programs, local small business needs are being met.

For more information contact Linda Hearn at 256-237-3536 or email lindah@calhounchamber.com

 Elements of a Business Plan

Cover Page: Include name of the company, address, phone and fax numbers and chief executive’s name.
Table of Contents: Include sections of plan and corresponding page numbers.
Executive Summary: Articulation of business or product idea (two to three pages) capturing the conclusions of all the other sections of the business plan.
Short and Long-Term Objectives: A description of what you see the business achieving in the first year and in the subsequent three to five years.
Market Analysis: Industry profile describing the industry, potential customers and direct/indirect competition.
Production Cost Analysis: Detailed cost estimates needed to get the business started or product created, including equipment and facility costs.
Marketing Plan: Define and quantify the company’s target market, specify product/service benefits that differentiate it from the competition, including media tools, budget and media promotion calendar.
Organizational Plan: Include details about the individuals who make up the management team including backgrounds, qualifications, job descriptions and who will do what and when Financial Plan: Include start-up budget, operations budget and projections for three years.
Capitalization Plan: Include detailed information on company ownership, loans made to the corporation including rates and terms, the amount of capital needed and how it would be utilized and terms for investment

A variety of resources and counseling services are available
Use the one stop development center!

J.S.U. Small Business Development Center Free counseling provided by Jacksonville State University. For appointment phone (256)237-3536. To learn more visit the SBDC website.

North East Alabama Entrepreneur System The N.E.A.E.S. is a progressive economic development corporation operating a business incubation program serving Calhoun County and the East Alabama region. The program provides small business a developmental environment comprised of affordable-flexible leased space, the ability to synergize with other growing enterprises and access to professional services and training. Companies normally operate in this environment for a period of 36 to 60 months, at which time they "graduate" into the overall business community by leasing, purchasing or building commercial space of their own.

In operation for over seven years, efforts have birthed 34 companies and 12 graduates ranging from the fields of packaging distribution to the machining of automated welding assemblies.
For more information phone (256)831-5215 or visit the website at www.NEAES.org.

S.C.O.R.E (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Free counseling by the professionals who will give you the key points to a successful business. For appointment phone (256)237-3536. 

 WHAT IS SCORE?

The mission of SCORE is to provide professional guidance and information, accessible to all, to maximize the success of America’s existing and emerging small businesses. SCORE is an independent national 501(c)(3) nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. Each year, SCORE’s 10,500 volunteers contribute to the growth of our nation’s economy by providing free confidential counseling, mentoring and low-cost high-impact training workshops on topics most relevant to today’s business climate to over 300,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. Since 1964, SCORE’s expert volunteers have donated more than 10 million hours providing services, from 389 chapters throughout the United States and its territories and on the Internet, to more than 6.5 million clients.
Along with Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), SCORE is a resource partner of the U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The combination of strategic alliances, with both government and private organizations, and a real world perspective – practical advice from working and retired executives and business owners – allow SCORE to offer superior business products and services uniquely designed to promote the success of the small business community.
SCORE counselors provide free, confidential counseling to help small and emerging businesses with any aspect of a business, whether it is still a dream or has become your livelihood. Call SCORE at 237-3536 to schedule an appointment with a SCORE counselor.

International Alabama!

The success of Alabama's small and medium-sized businesses is essential to the economic prosperity of the state. Smaller companies engaged in international business are more stable, achieve higher growth rates, and pay higher wages. As a result, the key to economic growth lies in exporting internationally. Export Alabama is designed to enhance existing export assistance programs in the state by focusing on Alabama's "home grown" companies with particular emphasis on minority and women owned businesses.
TradeRoots, the grassroots trade education initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has partnered with the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund a national export development program. The focus of the initiative is to assist small and midsize companies to increase their exports to countries with which the U.S. has free trade agreements.
Alabama has been selected as one of eight states to participate in this grant, primarily because of the huge potential of its small and midsize companies, the state's aggressive international trade program, and the state's vast array of sophisticated programs that enhance existing programs and partnerships.

• Over 2,800 companies export from Alabama locations.
• In 2002, 72,700 Alabama workers were employed by foreign-controlled companies.
• One seventh of all manufacturing workers in Alabama depend on exports for their jobs. 
• Alabama exported globally to 180 foreign destinations in 2004.

For more information on entrepreneur services contact Linda Hearn at (256)237-3536 or email
lindah@calhounchamber.com