For Entrepreneurs

Our office works diligently to provide resources and a point of contact for those of the USA family interested in embracing the entrepreneurial spirit and starting a business! In addition to the resources below, know that we are always available to to help you navigate the road to commercialization! Please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

▼   New Business Service

Ready to establish your company in Alabama? USA OCIC has good relationships with local firms experienced in the Alabama legal process for new entity formation. For more information please contact: techtransfer@southalabama.edu

▼   Alabama Launchpad

A project of EDPA providing proof of concept competition, a seed stage competition, and a technology database, Alabama Launchpad provides a framework for individuals in the state to locate innovations, develop their business ideas, and connect to a network of experts, investors, and service providers that can increase the odds of success

alabamalaunchpad.com

▼   SBIR/STTR Grant Program

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive grant program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) is another program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena. Central to the program is expansion of the public/private sector partnership to include the joint venture opportunities for small businesses and nonprofit research institutions.

To search current solicitations: sbir.gov/solicitations

▼   Melton Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Located in the USA Mitchell College of Business, MCEI plays a leadership role in stimulating and nurturing local and regional economic development. The MCEI leverages its resources to elevate the University's entrepreneurship and economic development programs by providing opportunities to improve entrepreneurship education, expand the university impact on the economy of the region, and raise the impact of the component programs within the MCEI.

southalabama.edu/colleges/mcob/mcei/index.html

▼   Economic Development Partners of Alabama

EDPA’s primary focus is to help Alabama attract and retain industry. EDPA fills a critical role in business attraction by marketing and promoting Alabama as a business location and providing information analysis and fact-based proposals to companies and consultants that are looking for a site. EDPA also works closely with Alabama communities and companies looking to become more competitive.

edpa.org

▼   Small Business Administration
 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.

sba.gov