Alabama Small Business Today

State Leaders Seek Relief in Health Insurance Costs for Small Business

Small business owners in Alabama say the cost of health care is their number one issue.

T he cost of health care, which has climbed by about 20 percent annually over the last decade, is creating tremendous pressure for the backbone of the state's economy – small businesses. One solution Gov. Bob Riley sees is a tax cut for small businesses that provide health coverage and for their employees who take advantage of it.

Business.gov, the official business link to the U.S. Government, has expanded its services with the addition of new state and local search capabilities.

Many small businesses may dislike paying taxes, and complying with federal tax regulations is not always easy, but there’s a lot to like about the IRS’s highly regarded new online newsletter, e-News for Small Businesses.

The U.S. Small Business Administration and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company have teamed up to launch a disaster planning guide for small business owners.

Small Business Stats

Number of Businesses:
Did you know?

The percent of small businesses in Alabama for 2005 is 99.7.
Small businesses pay more than 45 percent of total U.S. private payroll
Small businesses have generated 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs annually over the last decade
Small businesses are 53 percent home-based and 3 percent franchises

Upcoming Events

Alabama Manufacturing Matters 2008, April 23, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa.
Alabama Manufacturer of the Year Awards, April 23, Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa.
BCA Governmental Affairs Conference, June 27-29, Grand Hotel, Pt. Clear, AL