This resource describes the Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network (AERN), a program that equips entrepreneurs from rural low-income areas with resources and support to develop projects to improve their communities. Sustained for over 10 years and now working with 15 partners, AERN has developed into a research network for interdisciplinary work, providing community members with materials, training, counseling, and business research services through the University of Alabama. By describing the many benefits of AERN on the University of Alabama team, the entrepreneurs, and the community, this paper demonstrates how the AERN program exemplifies a sustainable university-community partnership.

Watters, A.J., Haninen, P., & Hardin, J.M. (2012). Developing a community-based research network for interdisciplinary science: The Alabama Entrepreneurial Research Network. Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, 4(2). Full Text.