Documents & Publications

The 2025 Economic Development Guide is the source for updated information about the resources and incentives available to business and industry locating in Alabama. This is your one-stop source of current contact information for the economic development and workforce development agencies of the state of Alabama. The Alabama Economic Development Guide also includes features from Alabama’s premiere business publication, “Business Alabama” magazine, spotlighting new and expanding companies in all of Alabama’s fastest growing industry sectors. 

Commerce’s Business Development team plans to participate in a full slate of important industry expositions, trade missions, high-level conferences and other events across the U.S. and internationally during 2024. We’re inviting Alabama economic development professionals and community leaders to evaluate our Marketing Calendar for possible alignment.

The Alabama New & Expanding Industry Announcements Report is produced annually by the Alabama Department of Commerce to provide a detailed look at economic development activity across the state. The 2023 report contains information about 184 announced projects that resulted in $6.4 billion in new capital investment and 8,095 new jobs. The report features county-by-county breakdowns and rankings, along with information about foreign direct investment in the state.

The Export Alabama Alliance Strategy is developed annually with the input of the Export Alabama Alliance. This comprehensive strategic plan provides numerous opportunities for Alabama companies to build sustainable relationships throughout the world as well as opportunities to educate local leaders on the impact of trade.

A seamless network exists throughout the state of Alabama where companies can reach federal, state and local agencies and organizations that provide special services to the international community. The Alabama International Trade Resource Guide addresses the information and resource needs of businesses in the state that are interested in creating or expanding their global presence. Over 300 private and public regional organizations whose goal is to serve the needs of the international community are listed.

Alabama’s primary incentives platform can provide projects with a tax credit for qualified capital investment expenses and an annual cash rebate for payroll expenses for job creation. Enhanced incentives are possible for projects in ‘Targeted’ counties.

The Alabama Department Of Commerce and the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network have partnered to produce what is considered to be the most detailed and comprehensive manual for small business development: “Alabama’s Answers: A Guide To Doing Business In Alabama”. The publication addresses the fundamental issues of starting and operating a small business and issues specific to doing business in Alabama.

The ADEM Small Business Guide contains essential information that small businesses need to understand the issues and opportunities associated with environmental planning. This guide was developed to assist the small business owner in navigating his or her way through the state regulation and permit process.

Are you prepared to stay in business? Up to 40% of businesses affected by a natural or human-caused disaster never reopen. Don’t be a statistic. Need someone to guide you through the preparation or recovery process? Contact an Alabama Small Business Development Center Counselor for a no-cost Business Impact Analysis and some objective advice. We’re not here to sell insurance, and we’re not here to burden you with regulations; We just want one more small business to survive the next disaster. We can help with risk mitigation strategies, an insurance coverage review, and continuity planning. Too late for planning? Have you already been impacted? Our counselors can walk you through the recovery options available from FEMA, SBA, and others (depending on the type and severity of the disaster).

The Guide to Government Contracting for Alabama Small Businesses has been prepared by the Alabama Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and the Alabama SBDC Network to help small businesses in Alabama win government contracts. This guide will help you understand the world of government contracting, what is required to pursue this fascinating business opportunity, and if selling goods and services to the government is a viable option to grow your small business.

The SBA’s Small Business Resource Guide is another great tool for those working to create a successful company. In its pages you’ll find detailed information on SBA’s varied assistance programs for small businesses.

One of the most frustrating things to deal with as a new business is taxes. Taxes require not only the money to pay them, but also a great deal of time to plan for them and prepare the returns correctly.  The Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) administers over 50 different state and local taxes that affect business and individual taxpayers. The following is a listing of the business-related taxes that are administered by the ADOR. This overview is intended to be an introduction to the tax requirements for businesses. If you need more information, contact your accountant or the ADOR.

This publication has been prepared by the Alabama Department of Labor to provide a current, brief outline of Alabama’s Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation laws. The information in this manual is provided for the employers of the State of Alabama. The information included defers to the Unemployment Compensation Laws of Alabama.

Alabama can provide state income tax credit for employers of up to $1,250 per qualifying apprentice for up to 10 apprentices employed.

Program provides a source of funds for site preparation and public infrastructure needs of existing industrial sites and other qualifying activities. Taxpayers making an approved contribution receive an Alabama income tax credit equal to their contribution.

Program provides a source of funds for site preparation and public infrastructure needs of existing industrial sites and other qualifying activities. Taxpayers making an approved contribution receive an Alabama income tax credit equal to their contribution.

Alabama law offers several income tax incentives for new, existing, or expanding businesses in Alabama.

Program aims to stimulate economic growth through new job creation, capital investment and increased cargo shipping.

Program aims to stimulate economic growth through new job creation, capital investment and increased cargo shipping.

Alabama’s primary incentives platform can provide projects with a tax credit for qualified capital investment expenses and an annual cash rebate for payroll expenses for job creation. Enhanced incentives are possible for projects in ‘Targeted’ counties.

Alabama can abate the non-educational portion of property taxes for qualifying projects for up to 20 years, as well as the non-educational portion of sales and use taxes on construction materials for qualifying projects.