Alabama Restaurant Week showcases the appreciation our locals and visitors share for Alabama restaurants and their staff. This culinary event unites Alabama’s diverse range of cuisine over a two-week celebration held August 12-28, 2022, throughout the state. We encourage visitors to frequent the state’s restaurants during Alabama Restaurant Week, and while you’re at it, try one of Alabama’s 100 Dishes.

Find out more here: https://alabama.travel/alabama-restaurant-week

By: Lesley Fair | Jan 13, 2021 2:31PM

Fraudsters have concocted a new COVID-related scam and this time they have businesses in their sights. According to reports, business owners are getting emails that appear to be about government-sponsored loan programs. But they’re really phishing messages trying to trick people into turning over personal information. The FTC has tips on how to spot the latest scam and how to defend your company’s good credit – and your good name – against other coronavirus cons targeting businesses.

Here’s how the hustle works. An email appears in your inbox that claims to come from the “Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance.” According to the message, you’re eligible for a “personal/business loan of up to $250,000” and it’s easy to apply. Just fill in your name, address, cell phone number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The email is signed by a purported “loan specialist” at the SBA.

A little CSI-style investigating can help you spot aspects of the email that should move your Shady-o-Meter into the red zone.

A message from a government agency that shows up without any prompting from you? Given FTC warnings about government imposter scams, that should activate your deflector shields. An unsolicited “personal/business loan of up to $250,000” for which you’re already eligible? In your dreams, but not likely in the real world. A request for personal information, including birth date and Social Security number? Email, welcome to the trash bin.

What about the fact that there really is an SBA Office of Disaster Assistance, its mission really is – to quote the email – “to provide low interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes,” and the email appears to come from a legit-sounding “loan specialist”? That just proves the con artist knows how to cut and paste.

Phishing attempts aren’t the only form of financial deception that business owners are reporting. We’ve heard from companies that have applied for loans through websites that falsely claimed an SBA affiliation. That tactic has already resulted in an FTC law enforcement action and multiple FTC-SBA warning letters. We’re also hearing from business executives who have been contacted to repay loans they never took out. The likely culprits? Criminals who combined bits and pieces of stolen personal information to get a loan in someone else’s name or the name of their company.

To stay afloat in uncertain economic times, a lot of business owners are looking for capital either in the form of the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, which has been extended to December 31, 2021, or from other lenders. Regardless of where businesses are looking to borrow, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself.

Check your credit report regularly. The worst time to learn that someone has taken out a loan in your name is when you’re applying for a loan yourself. So check your credit report before you start looking for a business loan and monitor it periodically. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com, the authorized source for the free reports consumers are guaranteed by law. In addition, the three major credit bureaus are offering free weekly online reports to consumers through April 2021. (Of course, if you’re not currently in the market for a loan, freezing your credit offers an extra – and free – measure of protection.) If you’re concerned that a loan may have been taken out in your company name, consider whether to check separate services that maintain credit reports about businesses.

Seek out reliable sources of information. Looking for a business loan? Don’t click on a link in an unsolicited email. And don’t play Financial Disaster Roulette by typing terms in a search engine and trusting what shows up on your screen. Scammers often bait their online traps with sound-alike names and URLs, phony endorsements, and professional-looking websites. The safest bet is to start your search at www.sba.gov, the official site of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Or reach out to a trusted financial institution in your community.

Check out lenders before sharing personal information. There’s a reason why info outlaws sometimes masquerade as lenders. It gives them the perfect excuse to ask for highly sensitive data – information that crooks use to get loans in an unsuspecting business owner’s name. So don’t leave a trail of personal information by filling out lots of online applications with lenders you don’t know. Take a more selective approach and investigate prospective lenders first. If you spot something amiss, file a report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Follow the Business Blog for updated information about small business loans and COVID-related scams that could target your company.

Read on the FTC Website

By Alabama NewsCenter Staff // August 18, 2020

Supporting customers affected by COVID-19 with tailored, customized solutions to meet their needs remains a priority as Alabama Power continues to navigate the pandemic. In a time that presents unique challenges, the company’s support of its customers and the communities it calls home has not wavered.

As part of continued customer support, Alabama Power is offering a new, easy-to-use payment plan service to help customers facing economic or medical hardships due to COVID-19. Payment plans allow customers to spread out energy bill balances over several months.

To enroll, customers can visit AlabamaPower.com/PaymentPlan or use the automated system at 1-800-245-2244 to check eligibility and set up a plan in a few simple steps.

Alabama Power will return to standard business operations for customers on Sept. 28. In addition to continuing to support organizations in the state through the Alabama Power Foundation’s $1 million pledge, standard business operations include the following services for residential and business customers:

Responsibly reopening walk-in services at Alabama Power business offices and Appliance Centers.
Continuing to work individually with customers on payment assistance resources.
Using multiple channels to notify customers behind on payments options to maintain service.
Since the state of emergency was declared in March, Alabama Power has not disconnected or charged late fees to any customer affected by COVID-19 and will extend the disconnect suspension to Sept. 28 when standard business operations resume.

As it always does, the company’s customer service team stands ready to work individually with customers who need help. Customers are encouraged to reach out for support online at AlabamaPower.com or call 1-800-245-2244.

Alabama Power will provide additional relief to customers adversely affected by COVID-19, with the typical customer set to receive a $25 credit on October bills due to lower fuel expenses. Credits will depend on energy use and could vary.

Alabama Power also offers several programs designed to help low-income, elderly or disabled customers with energy bills:

• Project SHARE: A program in partnership with the Salvation Army, Project SHARE helps pay energy bills of low-income Alabamians who are age 60 or older and/or disabled. Customers who want to request energy assistance can apply at their local Salvation Army office or by calling 205-328-2420. Alabama Power customers who want to help others can donate by checking the Project SHARE box on their Alabama Power bill.
• The Alabama Business Charitable Trust Fund: The ABC Trust works with local community action agencies to help cover the cost of heating and cooling for low-income families and those struggling with temporary financial problems. Customers who are interested can contact the community action agency in their county. For more information, visit PowerofGood.com. Click the “What We Do” tab, “Community Support” and then “ABC Trust.”
• Energy bill discounts: Discounts are available for customers receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid for Low Income Families (MLIF). The discount includes $14.50 toward the customer charge. Eligible customers can sign up at any Alabama Power business office or by phone at 1-800-245-2244.

Alabama Power is preparing in compliance with safety best practices to responsibly adjust operations at business offices and Appliance Centers as part of normal business to provide walk-in service options for customers. Customers should comply with signs in the offices to ensure Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines are followed to protect the safety and health of fellow customers and employees. Limited customer capacity at offices will also be implemented.

While walk-in operations will be available for service, customers are encouraged to use 24/7 payment kiosks, drop boxes and drive-thru options where available. Customers have one or more service options available at each office.

Customers who prefer to transact business with Alabama Power through the company’s digital options or by phone can visit AlabamaPower.com/MyPayment, use its automated system at 1-800-245-2244, or pay through Bill Matrix at 1-800-835-2702.

Another option is visiting one of many Authorized Payment Locations, including grocery stores, drug stores and banks, where bills can be paid with cash. Customers are encouraged to find the location most convenient to them at AlabamaPower.com/PayinPerson.

Learn More

Alabama Restaurant Week showcases the appreciation of our locals and visitors share for Alabama restaurants and their staff. This culinary event unites Alabama’s diverse range of cuisine in a 10-day celebration held August 14-23, 2020 throughout the state. Many of our Alabama restaurants have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, so we encourage everyone, both visitors and locals alike, to show their support for Alabama’s restaurants during Alabama Restaurant Week.

Restaurants are the places where we don’t simply just eat, but so often celebrate our most cherished memories. They are there for us for first dates, anniversaries, birthdays, gatherings of family and friends, special occasions, memorable vacations or just in times we needed a little comfort. Over the past several months, they’ve demonstrated significant support for their employees and communities while simultaneously facing operational and financial challenges. Now, more than ever, they need our support. Patrons can show support in a variety of ways.

Many Alabama restaurants have opened their dining rooms to the public with additional precautions in place to keep you and your loved ones safe. However, if you are not comfortable with dining in, we encourage you to take advantage of takeout, curbside pick-up and delivery options so you can continue to satisfy the cravings of some of your favorite dishes. If possible, be sure to order directly from the restaurant, rather than third-party delivery services. This will not only eliminate fees, but it will also allow you to stay up-to-date on any seasonal menu offerings and specials.

No deed is too small, and every little bit helps. Show your support and appreciation by eating out, buying gift cards, buying merchandise, buying products online, advocate for your favorites, and reaching out to see how you can help.

Learn More

Thursday, December 19, 2019 – MONTGOMERY – Secretary of State John H. Merrill warns the business community of a misleading letter from the “AL Certificate Service” being circulated across the state.

After receiving numerous constituency concerns related to the authenticity of this group sending out “Certificate of Existence” request forms, Secretary Merrill cautions business owners to be wary of information sent by non-state agencies.

Secretary Merrill warned, “This group is not associated with the state. Business entities looking to obtain their official Certificate of Existence should contact our office directly at (334) 242-5324.”

The Office of the Secretary of State has been working to stop the spread of this misleading and potentially deceptive information and has reported this organization to the Office of the Attorney General.

Our Office will continue to actively monitor the situation to ensure Alabamians are provided with accurate and up-to-date information.

Learn More

Friday, June 21, 2019 – MONTGOMERY –Today marks three consecutive years of same-day business filings by the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.

“Today, we have reached a great milestone in modernizing the business filings process for all corporate filings,” said Secretary Merrill.

“When I took office January 19, 2015, the business filing process where corporations were recorded took up to 7 months. Not only is the business harmed, but some business owners had to wait 7 months to open a simple business bank account, obtain a line of credit or bank loan, or have appropriate resources to meet their first payroll. Bureaucracy does not care if your small business is your only source of income. The system was covered in red tape that had significant impacts for all hard-working business owners.

“I am proud to say that now, business owners will never have to wait longer than the one-day speed our office so efficiently provides,” said Merrill. He added, “We no longer operate at the speed of government, we are operating at the speed of business!”

“Government should be working for the people and helping businesses grow and thrive, not burdening them with endless processing times that inhibit a business’s ability to provide goods and services,” said Business Council of Alabama President and CEO Katie Boyd Britt. “I commend the Secretary of State’s Office for their dedication and service to the people of Alabama.”

Since implementing the same-day policy, filings are made significantly more helpful to the business community and Alabama’s economy.

“I have not received a complaint about the business filings procedure or turnaround time since Secretary Merrill has had this policy in place,” said Rosemary Elebash, National Federation of Independent Business Alabama State Director. “Starting a business is time-consuming enough, whether someone is starting a new business or changing their current business. When you’re made to wait on a process outside your control, you are not producing anything, hiring anyone, or earning income. Therefore, it is so important to get this done in a timely manner. What a great accomplishment it is to have so consistently served Alabama business people this way.”

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Read the original press release at the Alabama Secretary of State website.

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations that Nov. 15 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans in Alabama as a result of drought that began on Jan. 30, 2018.

The SBA’s disaster declaration includes the following counties: Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chilton, Coosa, Cullman, Etowah, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lamar, Marion, Perry, Pickens, Saint Clair, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Walker and Winston in Alabama.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.

The loans are for working capital and can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 3.58 percent for eligible small businesses and 2.5 percent for nonprofit organizations, and terms up to 30 years.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than Nov. 15, 2018.

View the original press release here.