Alabama SBDC at Troy University

09/03/2026

Want to own a business—but not necessarily start one from scratch?
Franchising can offer an established brand, proven business model, training, and support—but how do you know if it’s the right investment for you?
Join the Alabama SBDC at Troy University for a FREE virtual conversation on September 17 from 6–7 PM CDT with Jesse Quillen, CEO of Nexus Franchise Solutions, as we break down what prospective franchise owners should know before investing.
We’ll talk about:
• How franchising compares to starting your own business
• What it really costs to become a franchise owner
• How to evaluate a franchise opportunity
• What to look for in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
• Financing options
• Red flags and common first-time mistakes
• Franchise opportunities and trends
Already looking at a franchise? Bring your questions. We’ll end with live Q&A.
📅 September 17, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM CDT
💻 Online
💲 No Cost to our clients!
Register here: https://asbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10714

06/10/2026

🎓 They came with a dream. They leave with a plan.

On May 29, Troy SBDC celebrated the first-ever graduation ceremony for the DHR A-RESET Start Your Business program — honoring graduates from every cohort since 2022.

From the Tennessee Valley to the Wiregrass, these entrepreneurs proved that self-employment is a real pathway to income and opportunity. Alabama is one of only 18 states where entrepreneurship is recognized as an approved workforce pathway for SNAP recipients — and our graduates are leading the way.

This is not the ceiling. It’s the floor. 🙌

Read their story at the link below! 👇

https://today.troy.edu/news/syb-commencement/

It began with a $9,000 investment and a simple idea: help position Alabama as a national leader in entrepreneurship-based workforce development.

05/26/2026

During Military Appreciation Month, the Alabama SBDC at Troy University is proud to highlight the leadership, discipline, and economic impact veteran entrepreneurs bring to our communities.

Josh Lewis, owner of Lewis Auto Detailing Service in Troy, is one example of what can happen when military experience, craftsmanship, and business advising come together. With support from the Alabama SBDC, Josh strengthened the business foundation behind his work, transitioned into a dedicated shop location, improved business systems, added employees, and reported that revenue had tripled by 2025 compared to his first year of operations.

His story reminds us that recognition matters — but support matters too.

Read Josh’s story in Troy Today:
https://today.troy.edu/news/josh-lewis/

As Troy University recognizes Military Appreciation Month, the Alabama Small Business Development Center at Troy University is highlighting the leadership, discipline and economic impact of veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs across the region.

05/26/2026

Attention small business owners: The SBA Patriot Pitch Competition is open for eligible businesses ready to showcase innovation, growth, and impact.

Selected businesses will compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool, with finalists pitching live in Washington, D.C. Submissions are due June 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Basic eligibility includes 3+ years in business, $100K+ in annual gross revenue, and prior use of qualifying SBA capital products such as 7(a), 504, Microloan, SBIR/STTR, or SBIC financing.

Learn more: sba.gov/freedom250

Need help reviewing the opportunity or preparing your pitch? The Alabama SBDC provides no-cost business advising.

Request support: www.asbdc.org

05/22/2026

At the Alabama SBDC at Troy University, student involvement is more than an internship experience — it is part of how Troy University shows up for small businesses and communities across our region.

Through hands-on work with professional advisors, project contractors, outreach efforts, and grant-funded initiatives, TROY students are gaining real-world experience while helping expand the SBDC’s capacity to serve entrepreneurs and small business owners.

As Juliana Bolivar, Center Director and Lead Business Advisor, shared in Troy Today: “At the SBDC, students don’t just learn about business — they see their University show up for neighbors.”

We are proud to be part of a model that connects education, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

Read the full Troy Today story here:

https://today.troy.edu/news/sbdc-students/

For Troy University students who have worked with the Alabama Small Business Development Center at Troy University, the experience has meant more than an internship, a graduate assistantship or a line on a résumé.

05/15/2026

Veteran-Owned Business: Certification, Marketing & Growth
Your veteran-owned status can be more than part of your story — it can be a business asset.

Join the Alabama SBDC at Troy University, in cooperation with APEX Accelerator of Alabama, for a virtual roundtable designed for veteran entrepreneurs, military spouses, transitioning service members, and military-connected small business owners.

We’ll discuss how veteran-owned status can support certification opportunities, marketing, visibility, customer trust, and business growth.

📅 Thursday, May 28, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM CT
💻 Virtual Roundtable

Register here: https://asbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10673
Registered attendees will receive the meeting link by email the day before the event.

05/06/2026

This one feels special. 💚

Watching Mia Scott grow Mt. Moriah Farms from an idea into a business recognized as Alabama’s SBA Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year has been incredible to witness.
Rural businesses matter. Small businesses matter. And behind every business, there is usually a person taking a risk, figuring things out one step at a time, and continuing even when it’s hard.

We are proud of you, Mia. Thank you for letting the Alabama SBDC at Troy University be part of the journey.
Read Mia’s story below. 👇

A Wiregrass business with roots in family, agriculture and entrepreneurship has receiving statewide recognition.

05/02/2026

Don’t know where to start your business?

👉 Start here.

Join us in Dothan for National Small Business Week and meet the Alabama SBDC at Troy University.

✔ Connect with SBDC and SBA advisors and get answers
✔ See how SBA and SBDC can help you start or grow your business
✔ Walk away with clear next steps

Hear from Mia Scott from Mt. Moriah Farms, Alabama’s SBA Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year, and how she built her business.

🍰 Plus, meet a local entrepreneur who recently launched her business — she’ll be showcasing her dessert bar. Pasticceria LLC

📅 Tuesday, May 5
🕓 4:00 PM
📍 Troy University Dothan Campus

🎟 RSVP:

05/02/2026

Are you struggling to find, train, or keep skilled employees?

Join the Alabama SBDC at Troy University for Train, Retain & Grow: Registered Apprenticeship for Small Business, a virtual Lunch & Learn designed to help small business owners understand how apprenticeship can be used as a practical workforce strategy.

Many small business owners are not sure what a Registered Apprenticeship Program is, whether it could work for a smaller employer, or what steps are required to get started. This session will break it down in plain language and explain how apprenticeship can help employers train workers, build skills, improve retention, and create a stronger talent pipeline.

Apprenticeship is not limited to one type of business. It may be a fit for employers in construction, skilled trades, manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, hospitality, technology, and other industries where workers need structured, hands-on training.

Bring your lunch and your biggest hiring or training challenge.
📅 May 21, 2026
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
💻 Virtual Lunch & Learn
🎤 Featuring Cesily Means, Alabama Office of Apprenticeship / Alabama Department of Workforce

Register today and learn how your business can train, retain, and grow.
https://alabama.neoserra.com/conferences/10665

04/23/2026

Join us for National Small Business Week 2026 at Troy University Dothan Campus as we celebrate Mia Scott of Mt. Moriah Farms recognized as the SBA’s Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year.

This event is also a chance for the community to learn more about Small Business Resources in Your Community, connect with the Troy University SBDC and the SBA, and hear more about the services and products available to support entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Tuesday, May 5, 2026
4:00 PM
Troy University Dothan Campus
RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/nCHamrHi6G