AERN

C3 of Northwest Alabama E.D. Alliance is now the AERN Center of Marion County. The Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network (AERN) is a program to enhance business development throughout rural Alabama. AERN is directed through the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration in partnership with agencies in rural counties. It provides centers all over Alabama to help people get a business started and learn how to make a business plan.

AERN is now located at:
C3 of Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance
4020 U.S. Highway 43
Guin, Alabama 35563

  • Helps you build your business plan FREE!
  • There is no charge for AERN services.
  • Call for an appointment at the C3 office at 205-468-3213.
AERN Website

Each AERN center has the following resources available for you:

  • Computer
  • Printer
  • Business planning software
  • Set of specialized business reference books
  • Someone who will help you

AERN Centers also provide you with:

  • Seminars with experts who discuss:
  • Steps to take when starting your own business
  • Industry and economic profiles of your county
  • Useful Internet sites and links to becoming an entrepreneur
  • Checklists one needs to have when opening a business
  • Access to the University of Alabama's business library resources and business researchers

IN SUMMARY: The program has three components.

  • Toolkit of Resources: One is to provide computers and peripheral equipment, business software, and other business research resources to chambers of commerce, industrial development agencies, or other non-profit organizations whose mission includes business development in very rural, low income portions of Alabama.
  • Training: The second component is a strong training emphasis. The staffs of the partner agencies receive training in how to use the materials and how to help their local constituencies. And periodically the public is offered seminars and workshops. Learn the steps to take when starting your own business Find industry and economic profiles of your county Use the Internet effectively in conducting and researching business
  • Website: The third component is the AERN website. Many online resources are easily accessible there and the site is designed for ease of use by the lay public. From the website you can:
    1. Submit questions to the librarians at the Angelo Bruno Business Library at The University of Alabama.
    2. View Guides to the AERN resources and locate pointers to useful business information on the internet.
    3. Learn more about who we are, what services we offer, and how we can help you.
Visit our AERN Website at: http://aern.cba.ua.edu/

Let the Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network (AERN) work for you

AERN Program Directors

Ms. Annette Watters
205.348.6191
Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration
The University of Alabama
Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute

Outreach Coordinator
Mary Patterson