Small Business
The Small Business Office provides a supportive ecosystem where small businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive by providing access to valuable resources, knowledge and connections. We know these elements are crucial to success in the competitive world of small business.
Launched the Small Business Resource Page!
-
- Since its launch in April 2024, the page has had 2,000+ active users, with over 3,000 views! Please share the page.
Received Network Designation from Innovate Alabama along with a $20,000 grant.
- Grant was used to conduct a study on our entrepreneurial and venture capital ecosystems.

Small Business Resources page
Monthly Programming
We hosted 1,792 business professionals at 41 monthly programs!
This year, professional development programming showed the most growth!
- Delivered 26 Professional Development programs. The growth was attributed to the increased number of presentations by commands from Redstone Arsenal including AMCOM, SMDC and MDA, as well as Cyber Huntsville and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
- Hosted 11 Networking programs (5 Breakfast & Biz, 6 Business After Hours) at venues across the city to include Calhoun Community College, BeeZr and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.
- Partnered with a local small business (Meister) to Beta test their software, making the rotation schedule for Breakfast & Biz (think speed networking) more effective.
- Hosted 4 C-Suite presentations, a valuable mentoring tool, where attendees gain unique insights into the journeys of top leaders.
- 100% of attendees report gaining professional insight!

Professional Development Series
Doing Business With The FBI, The U.S. Department of the Treasury, Huntsville Utilities, MDA; Cybersecurity Forum; The Power of AI; Excel and QuickBooks classes

Breakfast & Biz
Jan. 9: Redstone Federal Credit Union - Downtown Huntsville May 7: The Westin Huntsville July 25: Embassy Suites Sept. 17: Calhoun Community College Nov. 14: AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown

Business After Hours
Feb. 15: The Venue at Oak Place March 14: Propst Arena April 11: Huntsville Symphony Orchestra June 13: Stars and Strikes Aug. 29: BeeZr Oct. 15: Huntsville Country Club

C-Suite Speaker Series
Feb. 8: LTG Neil Thurgood (Ret.) July 23: Ellen Didier Sept. 24: Frank Williams Dec. 17: Dr. Annie Saylor
Signature Events
Best Places to Work® reached 97% of its registration goal! 103 companies competed for 15 awards
- 100% of participants indicated they will participate again
- A new Wellness Award is being added in 2025
Small Business Awards Gala SOLD OUT with 1,000+ attendees
- 30% increase in applications this year with 160 companies and individuals competing for an award
- 3 winners went on to compete in the state Business Council of Alabama (BCA)/Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama’s (CCAA) small business awards in Birmingham, with one, InSight Strategic Solutions, earning an honorable mention.

Best Places to Work®
