Birmingham, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham will host the fifth annual BECOME Pitch Competition, organized by Urban Impact, Inc. This free event on August 30 features 11 entrepreneurs competing for $16,000 in funding. Attendees will have the opportunity to network while witnessing innovative business plans aimed at advancing economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in the community.
Birmingham will host the fifth annual BECOME Pitch Competition on Saturday, August 30, organized by Urban Impact, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. The event is scheduled to run from noon to 2:30 p.m. at The Alcove located in Birmingham’s Historic Fourth Avenue Business District. The competition, which is free for the public to attend, will not only feature emerging entrepreneurs but also offer attendees the chance to network with local business leaders.
This year, the competition will see participation from 11 entrepreneurs who will be presenting their business plans to a panel of judges. These competitors will be fighting for funding prizes that total $16,000, with awards including $8,500 for first place, $4,500 for second place, and $3,000 for third place. According to a spokesperson from Urban Impact, the BECOME Pitch Competition highlights the innovative spirit and determination of Birmingham’s small business community.
The competition is part of Urban Impact’s broader initiative focused on supporting Black entrepreneurs through educational resources and professional networking opportunities. The organization has long aimed to revitalize underserved communities, having been launched in 1980 with a mission to enhance economic development and community empowerment.
In recent developments, Urban Impact has secured a $200,000 grant from JPMorganChase. This funding is part of a larger initiative aimed at improving access to capital for small businesses in underserved areas. Alongside this, the Birmingham Community Impact Fund, established by Urban Impact, offers microloans ranging from $500 to $25,000 to support entrepreneurs who often go unnoticed but are essential to the local economy. The initiative specifically seeks to deepen support for small business owners who contribute significantly to the economic landscape.
Moreover, Urban Impact collaborates with organizations such as the Birmingham Business Resource Center and Opportunity Alabama, providing technical assistance and a revolving low-interest loan pool to business owners operating in Birmingham’s Historic 4th Avenue Business District and Civil Rights District. This comprehensive support structure aims to foster sustainable business practices and enhance the overall economic vitality of the areas concerned.
The BECOME Pitch Competition not only aims to reward the top entrepreneurs but also serves as a catalyst for further economic growth and an essential networking platform for aspiring business owners in Birmingham.
Key Features of the BECOME Pitch Competition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | August 30 |
| Location | The Alcove, Birmingham’s Historic Fourth Avenue Business District |
| Duration | Noon to 2:30 p.m. |
| Participation | 11 entrepreneurs presenting business plans |
| Prizes | $8,500 (1st), $4,500 (2nd), $3,000 (3rd) |
| Entry Fee | Free for public viewing |
| Organizer | Urban Impact, Inc. |
| Founded In | 1980 |
| Recent Grant | $200,000 from JPMorganChase |
| Microloan Range | $500 to $25,000 |
FAQs
- What is the BECOME Pitch Competition?
The BECOME Pitch Competition is an annual event that allows entrepreneurs to present their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win funding. - Who can attend the event?
The competition is free and open to the public, providing an opportunity for all to witness the presentations and network with local business leaders. - Where is the event located?
The competition will occur at The Alcove in Birmingham’s Historic Fourth Avenue Business District. - What are the prize amounts for the competition?
The total prize fund is $16,000, with the first-place winner receiving $8,500, second place $4,500, and third place $3,000. - What support does Urban Impact provide to entrepreneurs?
Urban Impact offers educational resources, networking opportunities, microloans, and technical assistance to small business owners.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham’s Tech Hub Ambitions Undeterred Despite Funding Setback
Birmingham, Alabama’s Journey to Become a Biotechnology Hub
Birmingham’s Sloss Tech Conference Expands to Three Days
Alabama’s Entrepreneurial Dream Fades: A Look at the State’s Struggles
Alabama’s Rising Local Startups Win Big at Launchpad Competition
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Entrepreneurs Go Head to Head
- CBS42: Urban Impact Announces Pitch Competition
- MSN: Urban Impact Announces Pitch Competition
- WBRC: Understanding Urban Heat Islands
- Mastercard: City Spotlight Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- Google Search: Small Business Support
- Google Scholar: Entrepreneurship Funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneur
- Google News: Birmingham Entrepreneurs
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
