Seek out expert business advice

The Alabama Small Business Development Consortium (ASBDC) offers free advice, research and training from experts in a variety of business areas. The state has 11 ASBDC centers.

I recommend: Discover more at Asbdc.org, where you can find a center.

Know the business start-up basics

The ASBDC publishes a free online guide, Doing Business in Alabama: A Handbook, which covers the fundamentals for starting and operating a small business in the state.

I recommend: Download the guide; topics include a start-up checklist, how to write a business plan, a guide to state business taxes and more.

Find the best property

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama maintains a database of available business space. You can search by square footage, location and proximity to major transportation.

I recommend: Begin your search at Advantage Alabama.

Take advantage of tax incentives

Alabama offers numerous business tax breaks for business and industries. Categories include income tax, property and sales tax, and business privileges.

I recommend: Review the incentives and download a tax booklet

Locate small business-friendly lenders

The state's Small Business Administration (SBA) Office can help you apply for SBA loans. The SBA also ranks state banks in terms of experience with small business loans.

I recommend: Find SBA loans, and view bank rankings.

SCORE more free help for your biz

SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.

I recommend: These are SCORE Alabama offices: Fairhope - Baldwin County SCORE; Birmingham - North Alabama SCORE.

Save money with business incubators

Incubators in Alabama can save start-up costs by sharing basic office space, equipment, and personnel with other small businesses. They are ideal for single entrepreneurs or businesses with small staffs.

I recommend: See a list of Alabama incubators.

Utilize women small business resources

The Central Alabama Women's Business Center offers entrepreneurs first-rate counseling, training, and networking opportunities to further promote their business.

I recommend: The centers serve seven of the state's largest counties; sign up for services.

Snag state-level help from the SBA

District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.

I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.