March 3, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Alabama Small Business Development Consortium (ASBDC) estimates that 3,500-4,000 small businesses may be impacted by the scheduled realignment of three military bases in Alabama: Fort McClellan in Anniston, Maxwell Air Force base in Montgomery and Fort Rucker Alabama in Coffee County. To help these businesses adjust to the changing economic base of their communities, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded a three-year, $1.1 million Defense Economic Transition Assistance Grant to ASBDC, which is headquartered at UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham).

“A number of small businesses support the operation of these bases,” said Charles Hopson, ASBDC procurement director. “In addition to the local population, these military installations attract a large number of retired military and state employees, many of whom are only in their forties and who have tailored their businesses to the needs of these bases. It’s a logical transition for many of them — they understand the government regulations and procurement procedures and often set up businesses based on what they did in the service.

“With the downsizing of these bases, many small businesses will find themselves without a market for their product or service. With this grant, we can help them find other markets, adjust their product or service line, or even enter into a new venture all together.”

To find out more about available assistance, call Hopson at (205) 943-6750, or e-mail charlesh@uab.edu.