RESOURCES
Links to business information resources.

BUSINESS
Startup Checklist.I'm ready to start a business! I have a product/service and I'm sure that it will fly, so what do I do now?

FORMS
Here you will find the forms available for download from the City of Tuscaloosa, the City of Northport and Tuscaloosa County. Download Forms

STRUCTURES
Ways to set up a business.One of the key decisions to make after deciding to start you own business is what type of legal structure you should use to define the type of company you own.

Business Resource CenterBusiness Resource Center

Opening a new business used to involve standing in long lines, asking the same questions to dozens of people and trying to decipher numerous forms and permits.
more

Reasons Most Startup Business Fail

Did you know that 60-75% of new businesses fail within their first five years in operation? Most fail simply due to an unrealistic perspective of what this new venture will require. Don’t become part of this statistic and make the same mistakes. The following is a list of reasons that most new businesses fail:

  • Expect to immediately make a profit
  • Lack of managerial experience
  • Not adequately funded due to underestimating capital requirements
  • Insufficient planning
  • Lack of vision or mission
  • Not adequately identifying target market
  • Underestimating need for marketing and advertising
  • Bad management of inventory
  • Enter mature markets that are stagnant
  • Do not seek advice from qualified professionals
  • Neglecting technical resources
  • Poor location
  • Intense competition
  • Unanticipated growth
  • Don’t plan wisely to handle day to day operations