News Release

Release Date:  June 21, 2007    Contact:  Teresa Wilson (205)290-7101 ext. 229                                                                                                                 
Release Number: PR AL 07-02     Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news      
 

SBA ANNOUNCES ALTERNATIVE WORK SITE (AWS) IN MOBILE, AL

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it is working with the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish an Alternate Work Site (AWS) in Mobile, Alabama. 

“The Alabama Gulf Coast is one of the fastest small business growth regions in the South East, said Mike Ricks, SBA District Director in Alabama, “and having a full time presence in the extreme southern part of the State will not only dramatically improve service to that area directly, but significantly save time and money in travel that we will use in other parts of the State.”

SBA’s Alternative Work Sites are designed to assist small businesses in communities more than 50 miles from an established district office.   In Alabama, the district office is 250 miles away in Birmingham.  By locating a senior area manager in Mobile, the agency can better serve 20 percent of the state’s population in eight counties and approximately 51,000 small businesses.  This region is the second largest market in Alabama.

Small businesses will be able to access advice about SBA guaranteed loans, government contracting opportunities and overall business counseling at the new location.  Information enabling businesses to better prepare for disasters and provide assistance in recovery is another function of the office.  This is an important function for Alabama’s Gulf Coast which has been impacted by severe storms for several consecutive years.

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