Reimagining Main Street

In rural Foley, AL, entrepreneur Christina McInnis, CEO of AgriTech Corp, wanted to do something about the chemical runoff of commercial and residential lawns & gardens that is poisoning America's watersheds and killing vulnerable ecosystems. Studies show that the overapplication of any lawn chemical can result in runoff that carries toxic levels of chemicals or excessive nutrients into lakes, streams & groundwater. McInnis turned to the Alabama SBDC to find market research & data to support business growth. She credits the SBDC for helping her get her product in every Lowe's in the USA. “Just having the science-based knowledge from Alabama SBDC research... that was huge out of the gate! The Alabama SBDC goes beyond business; they really get to know YOU.”

Bernard Bedgood inherited “the wash house,” as his father used to call it, in 2020. “I stand on the shoulders of my father, who started the laundromat.” This business became an important part of his father's legacy for this low-income neighborhood after he passed at the age of 101. More than just a place to wash your clothes it was meant to be a center for the community where young and old alike could find safe haven & advice. The Alabama SBDC crafted a strategy to help the business recover from the COVID downturn, including a low interest loan for improvements to the business, a revitalized online presence, & social media strategy. “I am very pleased with the help and assistance that the Alabama SBDC is giving me; they've given good advice on marketing.”

“Our partnership with the Alabama SBDC International Trade Center over the past several years has been very beneficial. We've received valuable export information, training & guidance, which has allowed us to further expand into South America and grow the business.” – Eduardo Cuneo, Latin American Sales Director. Valley Rubber, a manufacturer of custom rubber solutions for mining and aggregate industries — and STEP grant recipient, now exports to Mexico, Canada, Chile, Peru, Australia, and China.  The Alabama SBDC conducted market research to identify new potential export markets, provided in-house export training, identified & vetted potential foreign distributors, and aided in the formulation of export market entry strategies.

Lauren Gowins left a toxic work environment with dreams of creating a new kind of marketing company. The Alabama SBDC helped lay the foundation of what would become a thriving agency representing a wide variety of businesses. “My SBDC advisors have given me the tools and the confidence to grow my business. I am very grateful that this organization has been with me every step of the way. I can always reach out to the SBDC for assistance.” said Gowins. The Bold team propels companies to be their boldest, most authentic selves to connect to their audience giving companies the fuel to make an impact in the community. Bold believes a business’s potential lies in authentic human connections. In 2022, they launched the Bold Impact Initiative: Every year Bold will partner with a local non-profit on a creative campaign that aids in the organization's fundraising or brand awareness.

Lindy White, founder & CEO of Tanology Spray Tan & Beauty Bar, turned to the Alabama SBDC for help with crafting a vision, strategy, budget, financial projections, and even pre-opening to-do lists for her new business. When the pandemic hit, she returned to the SBDC to help navigate the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which allowed her to keep building out her business. Since opening in 2019, the company has grown from 3 employees to 11; they recently opened a second location. “I'm very thankful for the resources the SBDC provides. My advisor has mentored me through all of the different stages of business ownership.” Tanology won the Small Business of the Year Award for Auburn and was nominated for the top small business in Alabama.

Owner, Marbut Enterprises dba The Rocket

Click Synergy, LLC was originally formed when the owners saw a need for content creation and media guidance for small businesses. They quickly realized that they could use their retail expertise to help other businesses grow and this led them to create a retail incubator: The Shoppes at Coldwater. The Alabama SBDC's Capital Access Team helped them navigate EIDL, PPP, and expansion loans. “I love getting to share with clients and friends that own businesses the greatness that is the SBDC. I look like a hero and they get the help and assistance to take their business to the next level,” says owner Ashley Morrow. Business is booming: They were named Alabama's Emerging Retailer of the Year, and plan to launch a 401k for employees next year.

Dana and Jim Maloney were referred to the Alabama SBDC by their son, who worked with the SBDC to launch his own business. They moved to Fairhope to retire — and to be closer to the grandkids. “I had never worked with the SBDC, & I needed all the help I could get to navigate the purchase of our property for Jubilee Suites B&B & setting up our business. My team of advisors in Fairhope led me to execute $600K ROBS financing from my retirement plan & later also set up a new 401K profit-sharing plan for my employees. My advisor Mel Washington says ‘the miracle is in the marketing when growing my business.’ Maybe the miracle is in Mel because he always encouraged me to keep going and he helped me get the financing I needed to be in business today.”