The Office for Business Engagement Services delivers impactful programs and initiatives and collaborates across the division in support of the ORED Strategic Plan 2030 to enhance innovation, commercialization, and industry engagement. The unit operates as a flexible business consulting team to develop and manage projects that advance the ORED mission, create jobs, and grow the state’s economy.
The Office for Business Engagement Services also serves as a streamlined project management and administrative hub for ORED’s technical assistance programs, including the Alabama APEX Accelerator, Alabama International Trade Center, and Alabama Small Business Development Center Network.
Services
We gratefully express appreciation for the ongoing support from federal, state, local, and private sector partners that enable the BES team to provide technical assistance and services for:
- Business start-up and access to capital
- Market growth through international trade and government contracting
- Support for industry expansion, business recruitment, rural development projects in Alabama
Programs
Alabama APEX Accelerator
Lindsay Frey | DirectorThe mission of the Alabama APEX Accelerator is to provide technical assistance to help businesses pursue and secure government contracting opportunities. Certified procurement specialists advise clients on registration, qualifications, identification of bid opportunities, preparation of bid proposals including SBIR/STTR, and provide introductions to government purchasing officials. It operates in all 67 counties and has eight field office locations. The Alabama APEX Accelerator program is supported in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
Alabama International Trade Center
Brian Davis | DirectorThe mission of the Alabama International Trade Center is to increase the level of international trade activity in Alabama, fostering expansion of the state’s economy. The Center provides export research, training, and finance services to small businesses on a statewide basis. Trade Center professional staff, university students, and industry consultants work one-on-one with small businesses to expand export opportunities for Alabama-made products and services. The Center, founded in 1979 by Dr. William R. Bennett, provides practical training on international trade to UA students, which enhances their career opportunities in international business.
Alabama Small Business Development Center
Bill Cummins | DirectorThe mission of the Alabama SBDC Network is to strengthen Alabama’s economy by providing high-quality technical assistance and education to small businesses. The SBDC specializes in one-on-one, confidential advising and training for business start-up, growth, and access to capital. It operates in all 67 counties of the state and has ten field office locations. The Alabama SBDC is nationally accredited by the America’s SBDC trade association and is a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Alabama, and higher education institutions in the state.