Choosing the wrong legal structure and failing to meet compliance requirements are among the leading causes of business failure. The business structure entrepreneurs select will affect their taxes, daily operations, and legal responsibilities. Noncompliance, on the other hand, can increase the tax burden of businesses and make owners personally liable. If this occurs, personal assets could be at risk. It is possible that missing one requirement can lead to penalties, fines, legal trouble, and even force a business to close.

Alabama Extension’s Filing for Success program educates entrepreneurs on how to legally establish a small business in Alabama. It also covers topics such as business structures, insurance, and filing taxes.

In 2025, 174 individuals completed the Filing for Success series, enabling them to register their business with the appropriate government entities. It also increased their knowledge of business regulations, taxes, and insurance. Basic knowledge of business structures, taxes, and other regulations can decrease business failures and personal liabilities.

Other CRD Program Impacts

Career Countdown

Career Countdown connects participants to their interests, skills, and abilities that can formulate a career path. The program also guides them in developing an educational plan to reach their career goals. Career Countdown is offered in both single-session and multi-session formats.

In 2025, the program was limited to pilot testing new materials and updating program components due to budgetary constraints. However, in 2025, the team offered eight pilot testing opportunities and reached 863 youth. This pilot received positive feedback from youth, in addition to educators who have been previously involved with the program.

Go Getter Pathways

Go-Getter is a free on-demand educational series for Alabama residents. The program offers workforce credentials or entrepreneurship strategies that participants can complete on any digital device. This program provided free access to nine workforce development courses on an online platform for 255 participants. As a result, 62 certificates were attained among workforce development participants and 123
certificates among entrepreneurs.

Small Business Cafe

The Small Business Café is an online learning and networking community that provides introductory-level small-business education, such as business marketing, capital access, and budgets. As a Facebook group member, current or aspiring business owners can stay up to date on business and learning. The target audience for this program was existing and aspiring entrepreneurs with busy schedules and those who needed education to be provided in flexible formats.

In 2025, A total of 303 individuals participated in Small Business Cafe educational sessions. In addition, the program staff provided 115
hours of one-on-one business coaching.

More Information

For more information about community resource development programs, contact Extension Community and Economic Development Specialist Terence Norwood at (256) 372-5023 or tpn0004@aces.edu.