While still one of the more economically challenged states in the nation, Alabama has a number of important cities and economic centers. Alabama has a moderate number of business licenses and permits regulating a number of industries. However, Alabama's cities and counties also play a significant role in state business license and permit issuance.
In Alabama, governments at all levels – federal, state, county and city – need supplies and services. Governments do a significant amount of business with the private sector and can be fantastic clients and customers to businesses in many industries. Any business can apply to do business with any governmental body through a vendor registration process.