Alabama SBDC Expands No-Cost Workshops & Webinars to Support Entrepreneurs and Established Businesses Across the Region

The Alabama Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is expanding its lineup of no-cost workshops and webinars to meet the growing needs of entrepreneurs and established business owners throughout the region.

With a surge in aspiring business owners and a parallel need for existing businesses to strengthen efficiency and profitability, the Alabama SBDC is responding with practical, hands-on educational opportunities designed to help businesses launch correctly and operate successfully.

“Small business is BIG business,” said Yolanda Devine Johnson, Business Advisor with the Alabama SBDC Network. “Our communities are filled with entrepreneur seekers, but we’re also seeing established businesses that need better systems, stronger financial management, and compliance knowledge to sustain and grow.”
 

Addressing Common Business Challenges

Through one-on-one advising and community engagement, the Alabama SBDC has identified several recurring issues impacting local businesses:

• Businesses operating without accurate financial statements, limiting their ability to apply for commercial lending and potentially causing them to overpay or underpay taxes.
• Companies operating without required city and county business licenses, unknowingly placing themselves in violation of local regulations.
• “Side hustles” collecting revenue for products and services without proper licensing, tax registration, or formal business structure.
• Individuals receiving a 1099 who mistakenly identify themselves as “1099 employees” — a misunderstanding that can create compliance and tax complications.

The SBDC’s educational programming directly addresses these gaps by equipping business owners with the knowledge and tools needed to operate legally, efficiently, and profitably.
 

Upcoming Workshops & Webinars

The Alabama SBDC offers a continuously updated schedule of workshops and webinars, all available at no cost.

March

• March 3 – Entrepreneurship 101: How to Start a Business and Write the Plan (Applicable statewide)
• March 12 – QuickBooks Online Training: Setting Up Your Business
• March 16 – QuickBooks Online Training: Accounting for Expenses
• March 19 – QuickBooks Online Training: Accounting for Income

April

• April 2 – QuickBooks Online Training: Monthly Closes & Reports
• April 16 – Government Contracting 101

May

• May 3–9 – National Small Business Week | A host of opportunities will be available in celebration of small businesses nationwide.
• May 5 – Starting a Business in Monroe County
• May 9 – CAKE Day (Coastal Alabama Kid Entrepreneurship Day 2026) in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

Business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to review the full schedule and register at www.asbdc.org. The list of offerings is continuously updated to reflect new topics and opportunities.

The Alabama SBDC Network, hosted by The University of Alabama, provides confidential advising and no-cost services to support business growth and economic development across the state.

To ensure these services remain available, participants are encouraged to complete post-workshop surveys, which help secure continued funding and support.

For more information or to connect with a business advisor, contact Yolanda Devine Johnson at Yolanda.Johnson@ua.edu or visit www.asbdc.org.
 

About the Alabama SBDC Network

The Alabama Small Business Development Center Network provides expert advising, training, and resources to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed. Hosted by The University of Alabama, the SBDC serves entrepreneurs and business owners statewide through education, counseling, and strategic support.