Alabama: Resources
The Alabama Department of Commerce, the state agency for economic development, is dedicated to helping Alabama businesses increase their presence internationally. The site provides services that mainly focus on helping businesses export abroad. Alabama businesses receive these services free of charge. News about business and economics in the state, a listing of industries, and a business development page are also provided to aid businesses.
The Alabama Department of Revenue website contains information for taxpayers, businesses, and practitioner communities in the state of Alabama. The site provides an easy access portal for state and local tax information, legal information, e-services, news, and statistics.
The Alabama District Export Council (DEC) is a volunteer-based organization with members from Alabama businesses, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. All members have background knowledge and experience in international business and provide counseling, education, and mentor services to local businesses interested in exporting. The DEC site contains information on hosted trade events, other local international trade organizations, and basic background information about the council itself.
The Alabama International Trade Center (AITC) operates as a federal-state partnership program between the University of Alabama and the U.S. Small Business Administration to promote export financing programs in Alabama. As a center, the AITC provides services that include training programs, export research, export financing, and an export readiness test. A number of online resources including useful links and training programs are provided by the site.
The Alabama Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) works to promote economic growth in the state of Alabama. The center accomplishes this goal by providing assistance to Alabama business professionals through counseling and training, comprehensive information services, and access to experts in many fields. The website provides information on starting a business, growing a business, and exporting internationally. Additionally, the website provides an event calendar and small business news.
The Business Council of Alabama (BCA) is an organization whose goal is to improve Alabama’s business climate. Some of its activities include monitoring legislation that could potentially hurt Alabama businesses as well as efforts to reduce business costs. The site content features news, events, and publications on various topics about Alabama's business. A membership is required to attain special discounts for businesses and more state business news.
The Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) is part of the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. The website provides multiple Alabama economic indicators such as population estimates and projections, income and employment levels, and GDP information. The website also provides useful links for further research including briefs, publications, and presentations that further explain data sets.
The Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) is a network made up of business professionals who work together to provide members with useful opportunities for networking, professional development, and legislative representation. The EDAA website contains information about the association itself, membership information, news, industry events, and economic development resources for Alabama businesses.
The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) site provides useful information and resources focusing on helping Alabama attract and retain business. The site provides resources for both companies and communities. Topics include location advantages, available properties, labor, quality of life, and industries.
The North Alabama Industrial Development Association (NAIDA) provides economic overviews and statistics for northern Alabama, as well as for the counties within the region. The site also features reports and data on topics such as infrastructure, the labor force, and vacant business locations. Additionally, there are industry sector profiles available, which provide in-depth information on the major industries in the region.
A member-based organization of businesses in northern Alabama and the Tennessee Valley region, the Northern Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA) provides an international networking forum, education on trade issues, and prepares businesses to compete in the global economy. Membership fees are required and are based on the size of the business. The website provides a global community forum, a news and events section, and resources relating to topics such as trade assistance.