• Business Developement

    chamber

    Members of the Haleyville area Chamber of Commerce along with local government officials cut the ribbon Tuesday, September 20 on a new source of information to help develop local businesses. The system is called AERN, or the Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network. Below is information of what is provided by AERN.

    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

    in partnership with agencies in rural counties. 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 nonprofit organizations whose mission includes business development in very rural, low-income portions of Alabama.

    Each AERN Center has these resources for use by local entrepreneurs:

    • A computer, printer, and specialized business planning software

    • A set of specialized business reference books

    • Someone who will help you

    Partner organizations make the resources available to the public to encourage potential entrepreneurs to start a

    business, to expand an existing business, or for other economic development work in the target areas.

    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 proles 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:

    • Submit questions to the librarians at the Angelo Bruno Business Library at The University of Alabama

    • Locate pointers to useful business information on the Internet

    • Learn more about who we are, what services we offer, and how we can help you. Contact the Haleyville Chamber of Commerce at 205-486-4611 or go to aern.cba..ua.edu.