Best Small Business Resources in the Huntsville Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Alabama has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Huntsville area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Alabama.
Resources Available in your Area
The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The Catalyst center will be most useful for entrepreneurs as a mentorship and learning resource. The organization provides free one-on-one mentoring to entrepreneurs in all stages of business. They also host a series of events on varying topics ranging from sales and marketing, to small business in rural communities.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Alabama SBDC at the University of Alabama in Huntsville
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Biztech
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Biztech is an incubation program that serves multiple industries. After completing an application and being approved, Biztech will assist entrepreneurs in taking their business idea all the way to launch. Clients receive dedicated mentoring and educational classes tailored to their needs.
Restrictions
Must complete an application and be approved in order to be admitted as a client of Biztech
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Huntsville SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Description
Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available
Restrictions
The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth