OXFORD, AL — Historic Main Street Oxford will offer four free business development workshops through the remainder of 2026, covering topics ranging from marketing and financial management to business incentives and emergency preparedness.
The workshops are designed for entrepreneurs and existing business owners and will provide practical information, resources, and guidance aimed at helping participants start, strengthen, and grow their businesses.
Registration is required for each workshop, with registration information available through the Historic Main Street Oxford Facebook page.
Grow Your Brand: Small Business Marketing Strategies
The first workshop will be held Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oxford Public Library, 110 E. Sixth St.
The session will focus on practical marketing strategies for small businesses, including branding, social media marketing, content creation, customer engagement and cost-effective promotional techniques. The workshop is intended to help businesses increase visibility and expand their customer bases.
Downtown Resources & Incentives
A workshop focused on resources available to businesses in Historic Downtown Oxford will be held Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane.
Participants will receive an overview of local, state and Main Street programs that may assist with business development, façade improvements, property redevelopment and financing opportunities. The session will also address other resources intended to encourage investment and growth within the downtown district.
Finance Fundamentals for Small Businesses
The third workshop is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oxford Civic Center.
The session will cover financial fundamentals for small business owners, including budgeting, cash flow management, financial statements, pricing and recordkeeping. Organizers say the workshop will focus on financial practices that can support long-term business operations and informed decision-making.
Business Security, Safety & Disaster Planning
The final workshop of the year will be held Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oxford Civic Center.
Topics will include business security, employee and customer safety, emergency preparedness, disaster planning and business continuity. The session will focus on ways businesses can minimize risks and prepare to recover following an emergency.
All four workshops are free, but registration is required.
For additional information, contact Hunter Gentry at 256-862-6067.
