How these 3 small businesses are thriving in North Alabama right now

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Ever wondered what actually goes on behind the scenes at local startups? Kimberly and Michael, the dynamic duo at the Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC), have been working with small businesses for years and found the secret ingredients to help them thrive.

Read on to learn how the SBDC at the University of North Alabama is helping Northwest Alabama’s small businesses, and check out how easily you can launch your business today.

Get an inside look at the SBDC

Meet Kimberly + Michael at the SBDC

Kimberly, SBDC Director, and Michael, Associate Director, have worked their entire careers together at a total of three different businesses. They started in the small business scene, and now they’re on the other side, helping local businesses thrive.

The SBDC is a statewide organization with ten locations, including one in Florence at UNA. Their goal is to help small businesses get started and provide ongoing help and resources to them.

Housed in UNA’s Sanders College of Business and Technology (SCOBT), the SBDC also gains top-notch resources from the university and provides insights to the SCOBT students. Plus, their office is located right by The Generator—UNA’s unique maker space.

“With The Generator right behind us, we plan to collaborate with Mitch, the director, and work with the students to finetune their ideas and move them to the business creation stage.”

Michael Butz, Associate Director, Alabama Small Business Development Center, UNA

Available to anyone starting a biz in North Alabama

The Florence SBDC reaches nine counties in North Alabama and can offer their resources to startups at any point in the process.

“90% of the people who come to us are in the ideas stage. Some people may be hesitant about reaching out if they feel like they don’t know enough or haven’t done enough yet. But that’s why we are here—to help them get started.”

Kimberly Hughston, Director, Alabama Small Business Development Center, UNA

If you’re in the planning stage, the SBDC at UNA will keep everything confidential and only promote your business once you permit them to do so. Plus, they’re not just a one-stop shop—they’re available to answer any questions you may have even after your business is up and running.

“Entrepreneurs have business ideas and specific skills, but they often need resources when it comes to the operation side. We can help them learn the ins and outs of bookkeeping, business marketing and more.”

Michael Butz, Associate Director, Alabama Small Business Development Center, UNA

Have an idea you’re ready to turn into a reality? Reach out to the SBDC today.

Incredible success stories

If you walk along the streets of downtown Florence, you’ll see countless thriving businesses that the SBDC has helped. Here are just a few examples of ones they’ve collaborated with:

• The SBDC helped All The Best refine their business idea + launch their shop.
• After opening, Lullaby Lane reached out to the SBDC to get expert help in bookkeeping + accounting.
• The SBDC helped Renew Physical Therapy get started—which now has some of the most advanced therapy technology in the state.

“The businesses we work with are clients of ours for life, so even if they’re five years into it, they can still reach out and ask us questions. We keep a personal relationship with them, so they can feel comfortable texting or emailing us a quick question.”

Michael Butz, Associate Director, Alabama Small Business Development Center, UNA

Check out the SBDC in Florence today!

Kimberly and Michael love to have fun at the office, and they look forward to brainstorming business ideas with you.

“The SBDC at UNA has been around since 1980, but we’re constantly innovating our processes. I’m the first full-time director and the first female director. We want people to know that we are here for the community and are a no-cost resource.”

Kimberly Hughston, Director, Alabama Small Business Development Center, UNA

The time to launch your business is now. Reach out to the SBDC at UNA today!

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