Demand for 1:1 Technical Assistance has increased 331% in 2025 vs. 2024
WHAT'S IMPORTANT
In addition to asking for the Senate Small Business Committee, Agriculture Committee, and Commerce Committees to continue to authorize these technical assistance programs, we also urge the Senate Appropriations Committee to:
FSGG
- Fund SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs at FY24 levels (see page 42) of $316.8 million which includes:
$7M for PRIME TA
$41M for Microloan TA - Fund the Treasury’s CDFI Fund at FY24 levels of $324 million
-While this is not technical assistance, it does provide financing opportunities for rural entrepreneurs who could not receive loans from traditional lenders like large banks
AGRICULTURE
- Fund USDA’s Rural Business Development Grants program at FY24 levels (see page 23) of $20.5 million
- Fund USDA’s RMAP TA at $5 million
ALABAMA ENTREPRENEURS DESERVE YOUR SUPPORT!
Small Business Technical Assistance Programs include programs across multiple agencies (SBA, USDA, EDA) which support entrepreneurs on their small business journeys, from identifying sources of capital to analyzing their target market to evaluating their profitability.
Communities Unlimited is a Small Business Technical Assistance provider, serving our seven-state region by supporting entrepreneurs, especially those in rural or micropolitan areas.
Entrepreneurship is inherently risky, and this support not only encourages entrepreneurs across the US to start small businesses but also increases their likelihood of succeeding, filling a gap in the market that they have identified and creating good, local jobs. Small businesses supported through this technical assistance range from restaurants to childcare centers.
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Small businesses created 63% of the new jobs between 1995 and 2021 and account for 99.9% of all US businesses. The share of US GDP created by small businesses is 43.5%. In rural places, these entrepreneurs have a critical role in driving economic development.
These program funds are appropriated by a few subcommittees including Agriculture, Commerce, and FSGG.
Dan Lawrence
Demopolis Hickory Mill
Demopolis, AL
Dan Lawrence honed his mechanical skills on a dairy farm and became a trusted mechanic among local farmers. When a client bought a sawmill, Dan was asked to run it, managing it successfully for five years. In 1988, he bought the Demopolis Hickory Mill, which he and his family have run ever since, producing hickory blanks and tool handles. Now 71, Dan works alongside his son, Daniel, who turns 40 this year.
Terrel Davis
Superhero Chefs
Huntsville, AL
A comic book-inspired culinary hotspot is redefining the breakfast, brunch, and lunch experience in Huntsville, Alabama. In the summer of 2023, Davis took ownership of Superhero Chefs, purchasing the brand from celebrity chef Darnell Ferguson. With three years of experience cultivating a loyal team and creating memorable customer experiences, Davis was ready for the challenge.
