Small Business Development Center

The mission of the University of West Alabama’s Small Business Development Center is to grow the economy in the western region of Alabama, known as the Black Belt, by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses. The Center services are targeted to Choctaw, Clarke, Marengo, Sumter, and Wilcox counties.

Services We Provide

The UWA SBDC provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow small business operations. From helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses to helping small firms expand, the SBDC is the resource that entrepreneurs in all industries can turn to for help — help that can make the difference between success and failure. Any consultations will be given free of charge and are confidential.

The center’s staff and university faculty are qualified to provide expert advice in the following areas:

• Business Plan Development

• Financial Analysis

• Pre-Venture Counseling

• Research & Development Assistance

• Market Planning Assistance

• Business Regulations and Licenses

• Bookkeeping/Accounting

• Financial & Loan Packaging Assistance

• Management Consulting

• Operational Planning

• Minority and Women Business

• Training and Workshops

• Procurement Assistance 

Training Events

The UWA SBDC seeks to address the needs of entrepreneurs by providing free to low cost, high quality seminars at convenient times and locations. Training topics range from preliminary operation for those planning to start a business to advanced seminars focused on the needs of the experienced business owner. For a listing of upcoming training events please contact the center.