Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network (AERN)

The Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network (AERN) is a program begun in 2001 to enhance business development throughout rural Alabama. AERN is directed through the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.

Currently there are 12 members of the Network:

  •   Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce (Dallas County)
  •   Greene County Industrial Development Board (Eutaw)
  •   Hale Empowerment and Revitalization Organization [HERO] (Greensboro)
  •   Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce (Marengo County)
  •   Perry County Chamber of Commerce (Marion)
  •   Sumter County Industrial Development Authority (Livingston)
  •   Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission (Camden, Wilcox County)
  •   Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce (Monroe County)
  •   Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce (Butler)
  •   Fayette Chamber of Commerce (Fayette County)
  •   Aliceville Public Library (Pickens County)
  •   Tuskegee-Macon County Community Development corporation (Macon County)

Each AERN center has onsite use of the following UA resources:

  •   Computers
  •   Printer
  •   Scanner
  •   Business planning software
  •   Set of specialized business reference books
  •   Extensive training in use of the materials above
  •   Quarterly newsletter and other materials publicizing the AERN network
  •   Access to the University of Alabama’s business library resources and business researchers

The agency partners also provide certain resources:

  •   Appropriate facilities, computer/office furniture, and access for business clients
  •   Consumable supplies
  •   On-site assistance to community business members who want to use the resources
  •   Local publicity for the program
  •   Coordination and assistance in mutually agreed upon training/education events, and
  •   Cooperation in mutually agreed upon networking activities.

Different agencies in the network have used the program in very different ways. We applaud the local adaptations to local needs. Some of these have been:

  •   Industrial recruitment
  •   Workforce development
  •   Small business development
  •   Enhancing the performance of small chambers of commerce/industrial development agencies
  •   Entrepreneur counseling
  •   Strengthening minority business enterprises

For more information about AERN, please see http://aern.cba.ua.edu.