Start a Business in Northport, AL: When it comes to starting a business, entrepreneurs must look for the place with the most potential. Whether a corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC, having a business in Northport, AL, is a plus for any entrepreneur. In general, setting up any form of business in Alabama, US, is the initial step to building an international brand.
Entrepreneurs across the globe are interested in starting and expanding their businesses in Northport, AL. With an urban population of 25970 (estimate), the city has a lot to offer to all emerging entrepreneurs. The main reason for this is the economic environment and flexibility of the business structure in Alabama. Like most places in the US, Northport, AL also offers business structures for all types of entrepreneurs; no matter what business you want to do, there’s a perfect solution for you. If you want to start limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation, or a sole proprietorship, Northport, AL has a proper business environment for all.
In this article, you will read about how to start a business in Northport and why you should choose Northport to start and run your business. We recommend you check below the important facts about Northport, AL; these might help you.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
- Northport, AL Household Income Statistics
- Northport, AL Education & Labor force Facts
- Northport, AL Demographics
- How to Start a Business in Northport, AL
- Other Things to do After Starting Your Business
- Important Northport Stats for Starting a Business
- Reasons to Start a Business in Northport
- FAQ About Northport, AL
Northport, AL Household Income Statistics
Northport Median household income | 64814 USD |
Northport households with dual income earners | 51.3 % |
Northport households $150K+ Income | 7.7 % |
Northport households $100K+ Income | 29 % |
Northport households $100-150K Income | 21.3 % |
Northport households $75-100K+ Income | 14.5 % |
Northport households $50-75K+ Income | 17.3 % |
Northport households $35-50K+ Income | 12.1 % |
Northport households $25-35K+ Income | 5.4 % |
Northport, AL Education & Labor force Facts
Northport residents with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) | 21.1 % |
Northport residents with at least a 4-year degree | 34.7 % |
Northport residents with a graduate degree | 13.6 % |
Northport residents with a high school diploma but no more | 23.5 % |
Northport residents with less than high school education | 8.1 % |
Northport residents with some college but no more | 33.7 % |
Northport residents with a Bachelor’s degree or higher (STEM fields) | 40.4 % |
Northport households that own (rather than rent) their residence | 63.9 % |
Northport residents 16 and older in the labor force | 66.7 % |
Northport residents unemployed | 5.7 % |
Northport, AL Demographics
Northport residents aged 0-9 | 15.8 % |
Northport residents aged 10-19 | 11.9 % |
Northport residents aged 20-29 | 16.5 % |
Northport residents aged 30-39 | 15.8 % |
Northport residents aged 40-49 | 10.6 % |
Northport residents aged 50-59 | 10.7 % |
Northport residents aged 60-69 | 10 % |
Northport residents aged 70-79 | 5.3 % |
Northport residents aged over 80 | 3.6 % |
The average size of resident families in Northport, AL | 3.12 |
Estimated population per square kilometer in Northport, AL | 574 |
Northport, AL urban population (estimate) | 25970 |
Northport, AL municipal population (estimate) | 25970 |
Now that you know what makes Northport of Alabama good for business, let’s get started with the exact steps on how to start a business in Northport.
How to Start a Business in Northport, AL
Starting a business in Northport, AL, needs planning, financial decisions, legal procedures, and a handful of other things. Be it a corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLC in Alabama, you must go through the following steps. These steps are general steps. They are subject to change depending on the structure of your business.Generally, starting a Limited Liability Company is easy to form. Read our guide on how to start an LLC before you start your own business. Here are the steps to set up your business in Northport.
Step 0: Decide on What Business to Start
This is the first thing you work on, the type of business you want to start in Northport. Depending on that, you need to make your business plan. Apart from the legal documentation and process, you must include the following points in your business plan,
- Through market research on demand trend
- Complete Budget plan – funding your business. If you’re planning to start an LLC, then take a look at the cost of LLC
- What competitors are doing
- SWOT Analysis – check what your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats are
- Your targeted buyers
Once you have the entire plan with you, you can continue working on the legal structure of your business. LLCBuddy will guide you through the legal process of forming an LLC for your business. It’s very likely that you have already done this step 0, so that we won’t go deep into this step, let’s move to step 1.
Step 1: Choose Your Business Structure
The very first step after you decide on what type of business you want to start is to choose what type of business structure you want to form. You can form an LLC, a sole proprietorship, a corporation, or a partnership. Each type of structure has different rules and regulations. For example, if you want to start a Alabama LLC, there are different types of tax and fee structures. An LLC formation is similar to forming a sole proprietorship. On the other hand, forming a corporation is much more complicated. The tax and fee structure is completely different in corporation formation.
Step 2: Name Your Business
The next step in forming a business is to give it an appropriate name. Having a business name is not so easy task. You cannot pick a random name for your company. One has to follow proper naming guidelines before they name their company. Besides, before you settle a name, you must check if the name you are looking for is available to use. You can visit the official government site of Alabama to do the Alabama LLC name search before you pick the available name. Below are some of the naming rules you need to follow,
- You cannot name your business that has words or phrases like Bank, University, Government, or anything that can confuse people with a government sector.
- If you are forming an LLC in Alabama, then you must include words like “LLC,” “LC,” “LLC,” “Liability Company,” and “L.L.C.” If it is an LLP, then you must include “LLP” in your business name.
- The name should reflect the nature of your business. Any name that can confuse people should not be picked.
- You can check if the name of your company is available. Through the business name search process, you can search if the desired name is available for use or not.
- You can reserve your business name for a certain time before you form your business in Northport, AL by filing a name reservation application.
The above-mentioned points are basic naming rules that all businesses have to follow while naming their company. As mentioned above, these rules are subjected to change depending on the structure of the business.
Step 3: Get a Registered Agent
A Registered Agent is a person who receives all types of legal and official documents on behalf of the business. Whether a suit against your company or formation-related documents from the state, a Alabama LLC Registered Agent is responsible for receiving these documents at his/her official address. In general, anyone who has the right to conduct business in Northport can be a registered agent. However, there are some requirements to becoming a registered agent.
- The person has to be 18+ years of age.
- Must be a citizen of the Alabama
- Must have a physical street address in the Alabama
- Must have legal rights to conduct business in the Alabama
Anyone who fulfills the requirements can be a registered agent. Also, anyone from the company, your spouse, any relative, or yourself can be a registered agent. But, it is recommended that you hire a professional registered agent to look after your documentation. You can choose from the best LLC services that also offer registered agent for LLCs.
Step 4: Register Your Business
The next step is to register your business under the Secretary of State, Alabama. The Articles of Organization (or certificate of incorporation) of your company should be submitted online, by mail, in person, or by fax to the Alabama SOS. You need to pay the state filing fee either by Credit Card or by check to the SOS while registering your business in the Northport, AL. Your Alabama LLC certificate of formation should have the following details about your business
- Company/Business name, address
- Registered Agent Name, address
- Member-managed or manager-managed (in case of LLC)
- Type of business
Depending on the type of business structure, you may have to add some more information to the formation document.
Step 5: Write the Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a document that has all the structural information of your business. In most states, it is not mandatory to create an operating agreement. However, it is highly recommended to have one as an internal document. This document records information such as,
- About Business
- Members and management
- Capital contribution
- Profit Distribution
- Change of membership
- Dissolution
In future, if any member wants to leave the company or you want to dissolve the business, then the Alabama operating agreement has everything recorded, from clauses to contributions.
Step 6: Obtain EIN
EIN or Employer Identification Number is required to file taxes, open a business bank account, and if your business has employees. EIN can be obtained from IRS. It is a 9-digit number similar to Social Security Number. However, EIN is different from SSN. It is solely used for business purposes, especially for general tax filing. You have to fill out the form and submit it to the IRS website. It does not cost you anything to obtain EIN.
Step 7: Get Business Bank Accounts
Once you obtain the EIN for your business, you are free to open a business account in the US. Having a US business bank account can ease your business transactions in Northport, AL. It increases your business credibility and liquidity. It will also be helpful for business loans.
Step 8: Create Your Business Website
Business websites are as important as your business structure. It is necessary to have a catchy business website with all the information regarding your company. Along with the website, you need some more things. Things such as logos, business cards, business emails, domain names, and social media accounts are needed to promote your business. You can hire a professional business service to get all of these services under one roof.
Other Things to do After Starting Your Business
- Once your company is set in the Northport, Alabama, you need to file your taxes and apply for licenses (if needed).
- Apart from the license and permits, you need to get insurance for your business. Such as General Liability Insurance, Professional Liability Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance are some of the insurances you need to get if you are about to start an LLC.
Important Northport Stats for Starting a Business
Before you start a business in Northport, it is required that you know some facts about the city. Following are some of the stats to consider before starting a business.
Education & Employment
Northport has a diverse population that comes from various educational backgrounds. There are students who haven’t finished their high-school education, whereas there are people who are more than just college graduates. Check the table (Education & Labor Force) for detailed data. From the data, it is clear that the city has enough educated and skilled people who can contribute to the labor force.
Demography
As we talk about the urban population density, the young population percentage in the city is approximately 16.5 (people in their 20s) and 15.8 (people in their 30s). This means that having any business that is new and tech-based might be profitable. The median age of the population in the city is 33.3. On the contrary, if anyone wants to start a business that is related to any old-age service, such as caregiver, primary old-age support, or something of a similar sort, then Northport has approximately 3.6 (people in their 80s and above) percent of old people. Check out the table (Demography) above for more information.
Real Estate
Another important factor to mention about Northport is the home value of owned properties. The average value of owned houses is 187558. Also, the percentage of people living in their own houses is 63.9. This reflects the real estate market of the city. For a metropolitan city, this is a considerable number.
Health
It is inevitable that living in a big city is different from living in a town or a comparatively smaller city. It directly affects lifestyle and health. It is obvious that having health insurance is important, no matter which city or region you are residing in. But there are people in Northport who still do not have health insurance. The rate of people not having health insurance is 5.2. This depicts the lifestyle and overall health demography of Northport. As you plan to start your business in this city, you must consider this stat as well.
Income & Lifestyle
The income pattern of the people in this city is given in the table (Income) above. In Northport, a part of the population has a dual family income that reflects a better standard of living. As in, people have more than one source of income. The table above shows the income percentage of various slabs.
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Reasons to Start a Business in Northport
Northport offers a bunch of business-friendly services for entrepreneurs. A proper business environment, skilled labor, tax advances, deductions, and much more are awaiting if you are interested in starting your business in Northport. Here are some of the reasons,
Stable Economic Growth
Northport or any other city in Alabama has stable economic growth and an environment that helps any business to grow successfully. The economic structure of Alabama shows not only balanced but also a sustainable condition of economic growth, which in turn triggers the businesses to flourish in the state.
Minimize Personal Liabilities of the Entrepreneur
If you’re considering starting an LLC in Northport, then it will be your best choice. An LLC protects your personal assets and minimizes your personal liabilities. This is one of the many reasons why having an LLC in Northport is a wise choice. Also, if you are opting for an LLC, the tax deductions will be more than having a corporation.
Federal and State Tax Relaxation
There is a series of federal taxes that an entrepreneur has to pay when operating a business in the US. Depending on the state your company is located in, the state taxes are being imposed. For an LLC, both of these taxes are much lower compared to other business structures. Along with tax impositions, some tax deductions (state-wise) lower the filing fees and other government charges. Check out the Alabama LLC tax structure to know more about the tax structures for LLCs in the state.
Government Incentives for Entrepreneurs
Federal and state governments in the US ensure that entrepreneurs get a proper business environment in the state or city they are operating their business. The government provides a few incentives to the business holders in Alabama or any other state. That means if you are operating any business in Northport, then Alabama State will provide an incentive for creating jobs, contributing to the state’s GDP, and/or balancing the state’s tax structure.
Low Corporate and Other Business Taxes
Corporations and other business structures (except for an LLC) are liable to pay a corporate tax in Alabama. Also, there is a Sales Tax that all businesses, including LLCs, have to pay. However, the rate of taxes is very low. Besides, as the businesses receive incentives, the tax burden gets lower.
Skilled Labour & Quality Manpower
In Northport, it is easy to hire employees for your business. They are not only skilled but also well-educated to help your business grow. As mentioned above, the 66.7 is the percentage of labour participation. Hence, it is clear that having a business in Northport will make a lot of difference to the existing labor force.
Demand for New Market and Industry
In Northport, Alabama, there is an uprising demand for new industries and new markets. Entrepreneurs who are willing to start a business in any of the cities of any state are given enough opportunities to stay in business. Business licensing, tax deductions, incentives, and relaxation of business taxes are some of the benefits that encourage start-ups and budding entrepreneurs to start their own businesses in Northport.
If we follow the US Data, the median value of commute time for the residents to their work is approximately 22.3. If you are starting a business here, you must keep in mind that commutation can be a point to consider.
Intellectual Property Protection
The US government receives roughly more than 1 million applications for IPR every year. The federal government makes sure that there is no infringement of any patent or property rights. It does not matter which city in which state you are running your business. The rule of Intellectual Property Protection is the same for all. If you have a foreign business in the US, then you might get more benefits under the IPR act.
Other Benefits
Northport (aka ) is ranked at 3 in terms of importance. Apart from the above mentioned reasons, there are some other benefits that businesses enjoy in Northport. For example, technological advancement, a stable political environment, renewable resources, sustainable non-renewable resources, and some more benefits make things easier for entrepreneurs to start and run their businesses. According to US Data, the percentage of young people in Northport is 15.8. Hence, it would be great to start a business that is related to tech here as you might get a good number of clients.
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Best Time To Start Business In Northport Alabama
Getting started with a new business requires a lot of preparation. The best time to open a new business is a matter of timing and a good business plan. For instance, opening a hotel in Northport Alabama is not a bad idea if you want to improve tourism and get a little tax revenue from the action. There are also new restaurants slated to open along Highway 82.
In terms of marketing, the best time to open a business in Northport Alabama is the off season. This is when you can get the best deal on real estate and leases. In addition, you can save a bundle on utilities and maintenance. You can also save on insurance, which is essential if you plan on doing business with high-risk individuals. A new hotel is being built in the heart of downtown Northport. It’s slated to open in early January and will be a welcome addition to the area.
The best time to open a business in Northport is a matter of timing and a solid business plan. For instance, opening a new hotel in Northport Alabama is not a good idea if you plan on doing business with high-risk clients. The city has several hotels, including the Courtyard by Marriott, currently under construction. This will be a welcome addition to the area and will be a boon to tourism. You can also save on rent if you decide to rent out your own space. A new hotel will be a boon to tourism and you can also save a bundle on utilities and maintenance.
There are several things you need to consider before getting started with a new business. For instance, a business license is necessary to open a new business in Northport and Tuscaloosa. You will also need to take into account the tax burden that you will face. A good business plan and smart financial management will help keep your business on track. For example, you will need to pay your taxes by the 20th of the month after you have reported your revenues. Fortunately, you will find that the City of Northport Alabama has a Revenue Department that will take care of your tax needs. You can also get a business license at the Tuscaloosa County Library.
Getting started with a new business in Northport is a matter of time and money. This is particularly true if you plan on doing business in both Northport and Tuscaloosa. Getting a business license will also give you the opportunity to take advantage of tax breaks and business incentives. You can also take advantage of the fact that the City of Northport has an active Chamber of Commerce. This will be a boon to your business and will help you find local trade groups that you can partner with.
FAQ About Northport, AL
In Northport, AL, obtaining a tax identification number is surprisingly simple. Simply complete out the application on the IRS website. In Northport, AL, you may get your tax identification number without paying anything in a short amount of time.
Northport, AL has a strong economy, which is the key factor in its wealth. For aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to launch their own firm in Northport, the city has a lot to offer. On the economic map, this will increase their visibility.
Depending on the kind of company you intend to launch. If you want to create a company in Northport, AL, you could have to pay government fees, licensing fees, and other state taxes.
If you want to operate a company in Northport, AL, you need a few things. Get a solid business strategy first. Next, look at what your rivals are doing and who your customers are. Once your study is complete, register your firm with the state and launch it.
The city’s service and IT industries are the reason Northport, AL, is expanding quickly. Northport offers a fantastic business climate and advantages for supporting new company owners. As a result, the economy of the city is expanding.
Before moving to Northport, AL, there are a few things you should think about. You need to be aware of your chances for employment in addition to your cost of living. Before going to Northport, research your target customers if you intend to start a company there.
A sole proprietorship is a better option than an LLC in Northport, AL. When you start a sole proprietorship it would be cost-effective than an LLC. Comparing both LLC and sole proprietorship in Northport, AL, LLC might be a better choice.
You must have these 5 items on hand when starting a business in Northport, AL: a. a strong business plan; b. a name for your company; c. funding; d. any necessary permits and licenses; and e. a marketing strategy or plan.
Northport, AL is immensely popular in the state. It is because, in the recent past, the city has strongly grown in terms of industries and tertiary sector. Budding entrepreneurs, along with the biggies, want to move to Northport for business opportunities.
In Northport, AL, setting up an LLC is a fast and simple procedure. All you have to do to complete the process is submit a document to the Secretary of State and pay the filing fee. The procedure may be finished in only one day, which is fantastic.
Over a thousand small enterprises may be found in Northport, AL, which has a population of over a million people. A food truck company is among the most well-liked small enterprises in Northport, AL. There are also modest garage sales and home-based bakeries.
When deciding where to reside in Northport, AL, consider the location’s suitability for your career or company. You may choose the neighborhood in Northport, AL where you want to reside based on the customers you have in mind for your company.
Popular companies continue to relocate to Northport, AL, including eateries, hotels, designer clothing stores, and others. Northport has an increasing likelihood of having major brands as the economy expands.
You may be a small business owner in Northport, AL who is unsure if you need insurance for your company. Yes, that’s the solution. Small business insurance is a form of commercial insurance that addresses various company risks. Property loss, legal responsibility, and business disruption are some of these hazards.
For those who wish to purchase somewhat unique clothing and footwear, you may create a shop in Northport, AL. You may market handcrafted, original clothing and footwear manufactured by independent designers. The shop may also have a small café.
An LLC is eligible for several tax deductions in Northport, AL. Business insurance, office supplies, travel or automobile expenditures for work, costs associated with a home office, and a host of other things are a few of them. To learn more, contact your local tax office.
You may get an EIN number from the IRS if you reside in Northport, AL and need one. The IRS website allows you to get the EIN in a matter of minutes. If you’re the proprietor, you may even get the EIN number for your business.
A wonderful location is Northport. For small enterprises, Northport, AL offers a lot of chances. As a freelance writer, social media expert, or consultant, you may launch a company. In Northport, you may start a company as a personal trainer, baker, or dog walker.
To start a company with $1,000, Northport, AL is a fantastic location. It offers several tools and chances to support your development. Starting a cleaning business is one solution. You may do this and earn money while cleaning houses.
In Northport, AL, LLCs are quite common. An LLC may be created more easily and has a pass-through tax. This makes LLCs the preferred corporate form for many new and small firms in Northport, AL. Additionally, if you decide against continuing, LLCs are simple to dissolve.
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to rent or buy a property in Northport, AL. The most important thing to consider is the cost of both. If you’ve to start a business, it’s best to research the market and talk to the agent before making a decision.
The cost to create an LLC in Northport, AL is $200. This is a state filing fee paid to the SOS. The other costs are name reservation, DBA filing, and registered agent costs. The total cost varies as the tax rate varies in different states.
Starting a company in Northport, AL requires a few legal paperwork. For your firm to get off the ground, you need a general business license. Depending on the nature of your firm, additional permissions and licenses can be needed. Additionally, you must the necessary paperwork for company registration.
If your product is popular, selling it in Northport, AL, may be an excellent alternative. You must have the following in order to sell your product: a solid sales strategy, an understanding of your competition, a comprehension of prospective customers, and product promotion.
Creating a company in Northport, AL is difficult. However, with the right tools and a plan, you can make it happen. You can start with the company name and then make your way to other steps like filing and appointing a registered agent in Northport, AL.
The robust economy of Northport, AL, is the major driver of company migration there. This is made feasible by the city’s service industries and current industries. Northport’s economy is expanding daily, and other firms are eager to relocate there.
Finding the appropriate financing source for your concept should be your first priority. You should start by seeking for angel investors if you want to raise money in Northport, AL. You should seek for a small company loan if you wish to get cash from a bank.
Northport, AL LLCs are subject to annual renewal. There are a few things to bear in mind, but the procedure is straightforward. To get started, you must submit a paperwork to the Alabama Secretary of State. Before the deadline, submit it online to quickly renew your LLC.
Whether relocating to Northport, AL, is a smart move or not is a little debatable. You may make a choice based on the kind of company you are doing. Northport has incredible opportunities for budding entrepreneurs who want to start their own company.
Yes, for an LLC in Northport, AL, appointing a registered agent is a must. You need a registered agent to receive all your official and legal documents on your behalf. Hence, it is required to appoint a registered agent for your LLC in Northport, AL.
Which city is the best to live in has been a topic of discussion for a long time. The thriving economy and ethnically diversified population of Northport are well recognized. Houston is renowned for having a lower cost of living. There are several things to take into account while determining which is less expensive.
Northport, AL is a difficult place for businesses to get investment. Many companies fail because they lack the funding to continue operating. Angel investors and banks do, however, provide speedy financing to help companies in Northport, AL.
In order to prevent other people from using your company name, you need register it with Northport, AL. The secretary of state will let you register your company name. You must pay the reservation price and may register your company name for a limited period of time.
It’s challenging, but not impossible, to make money quickly in Northport, AL, or any other city. In Northport, AL, you may increase your income more quickly by operating a well-liked and in-demand company. For instance, a few solid alternatives are real estate, dining establishments, personal trainers, and construction companies.
Northport, AL LLC is required to pay a certain amount in taxes each year. There are three taxes that must be paid: sales tax, franchise tax (not in all states), and employment tax (if your LLC employs people). But in Northport, AL, LLCs are not subject to income taxes.
How Fast Can You Start Business in Northport, AL
Northport, with its growing economy, has become a focal point for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to take their ideas from conception to reality. The town’s business-friendly policies and supportive infrastructure make it an ideal destination for those eager to pursue their dreams of starting a company. The process of starting a business has been streamlined, offering an accelerated pathway for entrepreneurs.
One of the key factors contributing to the speedy establishment of businesses in Northport is its well-organized licensing system. The town authorities understand the value of time in the fast-paced business world and have worked diligently to assess and optimize their licensing procedures. Entrepreneurs rarely encounter bureaucratic red tape, ensuring seamless and efficient registration processes. Consequently, potential business owners can focus on their core business operations rather than grappling with administrative hurdles.
Moreover, Northport boasts a wealth of available resources to accelerate the commencement of businesses. The town officials have actively fostered partnerships with various organizations that provide necessary support to new ventures. Local business development centers, incubators, and mentorship programs offer critical guidance and resources. Entrepreneurs can benefit from workshops, networking events, and expert advice on matters such as financial planning and market research. These resources further expedite the process of starting a business by equipping entrepreneurs with the essential tools and knowledge needed to succeed.
Additionally, Northport’s proximity to regional economic hubs plays a crucial role in the expeditious establishment of businesses. Situated in close proximity to larger cities, entrepreneurs in Northport can easily tap into the diverse customer base of neighboring areas. This natural advantage allows them to penetrate markets at a faster pace and enhance their reach. Furthermore, the town’s robust transportation infrastructure ensures smooth accessibility and swift logistic capabilities, catering to the needs of entrepreneurs from multiple industries.
Another contributing factor to the rapid business commencement in Northport is the supportive local community. Northport’s residents appreciate and value local enterprises, fostering a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs. This community support not only instills confidence in business owners but also fosters a pool of potential customers eager to explore and engage with new ventures. The vibrant culture and support of the community actively contribute to the potential success of businesses in Northport.
In conclusion, starting a business requires a delicate balance of planning, resources, and a supportive environment. Northport, AL, successfully prioritizes these elements to provide a conducive atmosphere for aspiring entrepreneurs. From streamlined licensing processes to valuable resources and proximity to larger economic centers, the town ensures a fast-track for business owners. With the community’s support and appreciation for local enterprises, Northport becomes an optimal location for individuals looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
In Conclusion
Starting a business in Northport is not only easy but also profitable. A large portion of the US and even people from other countries are registering their business in the US for intercontinental brand building. Besides, Alabama has a sustainable economic atmosphere that is enough to encourage newbies to start and run their businesses in Northport, AL.