Ozark-Dale County is Growing Because of Its Small Businesses – Tell Us Which Ones You Love!

Small businesses (organizations with fewer than 500 employees) account for 99.9% of companies in the United States. There are 33 million companies that count as small businesses in the country, of which six million have more than one employee.  

“Dale County is stronger because of its small businesses,” says Holle Smith, President of the Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC). “We have multi-generational family businesses and brand-new startups bringing unique industries to the area. We will never overlook the contributions of small companies and instead celebrate their hard work and growth.”

Learn more about the impact of small businesses in the region and tell us which companies you love in Dale County. We just might highlight your response on our blog and across social media during Small Business Week this year. 

Small Businesses Contribute to the Economy in Several Ways

You might not realize it, but small businesses with a handful of employees have a big impact on American economies. Entrepreneurs who leave major employers to start their businesses free up jobs for those who need them while also creating jobs as their companies grow.

Small businesses also contribute to the local tax base while diversifying economies. Dale County residents with diverse skill sets can find work in the region because of small businesses. Even if you think you have a niche degree or professional background, you are more likely to find work because of entrepreneurial efforts.

Small businesses contribute to the quality of life in the region. Your favorite donut shop or barber makes life more enjoyable because of the products and services they provide. Ozark-Dale is a great place to live because of its small businesses.

“Often, economic development teams want to chase major corporations that will bring jobs to the area,” says Smith, “But small business retention is just as important. A larger part of ODEDC’s efforts include supporting entrepreneurs and sharing resources so they can grow.” 

Alabama is a Growing State for Small Businesses 

More small businesses are opening in Alabama each year. According to the 2024 Small Business Profile, 18,617 Alabama establishments opened in the previous year. While 11,719 closed, there’s still a net increase of 6,898 new businesses. Small businesses contributed to 41,091 jobs created in the previous year – or 79.1% of all jobs created in the state.

Ozark-Dale County is contributing to this statewide small business growth. The nearly 500 new residents in the area over the past decade are bringing small business ideas with them. People who have lived in the region all their lives are also becoming inspired to start their own companies.

In 2024, Ozark was recognized as an Alabama Community of Excellence, with this designation, along with the hard work of ODEDC and the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce, this region is poised for even more small business growth.  

Tell Us About a Small Business You Love

One of the best parts about working in economic development is celebrating successful local businesses. In preparation for Small Business Week 2025, ODEDC is collecting shout-outs and recommendations from residents on their favorite local businesses. From the top coffee shop in the area to your trustworthy accountant, we want to hear about the companies you care about.

Take a few seconds to fill out this Google Form to share your favorite small businesses. We will ask for your name but can keep your response anonymous if you prefer. Tell us about the industry, products, and services that make the local business unique. We’ll do our best to share your answers across social media!  

We can’t wait to learn about the top small businesses in the area and their local contributions. Thank you for sharing them with us!

Learn More About ODEDC

Get to know ODEDC and our efforts to bring new companies to Ozark-Dale County. Follow local economic development news and learn how you can get involved. Together, we can grow Dale County so it has a strong, diverse, and growing economy – with small businesses and large corporations alike.