A Business Survival Manual

The backbone of America 's economy is small business. The following pages contain basic information that is intended to provide help to individuals who are contemplating starting a small business here in Southeast Alabama. We hope you will find the information contained herein helpful and useful as you plan your business. This publication is intended only to serve as a guide and cannot attempt to answer all questions or provide all information that you need. We encourage you to also seek the advice and counsel of professionals in your planning process. The involvement of a good accountant and attorney is strongly recommended to assist you in making appropriate choices for your particular business venture. Above all, seek the advice and guidance from several sources as you go forward with your project.

The definition of "Small Business" used by the Small Business Administration is broad enough to encompass approximately 99 percent of U.S. Business. The business size for qualification in the definition varies with the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code, and can be researched on the SBA listing on-line at: http://www.sba.gov/size/sizetable2002.html

We wish you success in the planning and development of your business, and invite you to call on us if we may be of further assistance. Good Luck!

The Southeast Regional Planning and Development Commission
Troy University Small Business Development Center