News Summary
Birmingham has initiated the Birmingham Black Business Census to gather vital data on Black-owned businesses and support local entrepreneurs. Launched in January, this initiative aims to fill knowledge gaps left by federal surveys conducted only every five years. By encouraging participation from all business owners, regardless of licensing status, the census hopes to increase visibility and resource access for Black entrepreneurs, ultimately promoting sustainability and growth within the community.
Birmingham Launches Black Business Census to Empower Local Entrepreneurs
Birmingham has recently taken a significant step towards empowering its Black-owned businesses with the launch of the Birmingham Black Business Census. This initiative, conducted by a team based in the city, aims to gather crucial data on Black entrepreneurship to better support the community, especially as federal census participation continues to decline.
Understanding the Census Initiative
The Birmingham Black Business Census was launched in January and has already garnered participation from hundreds of local business owners. This data collection is crucial, considering that the federal business count occurs only once every five years, leading to potential gaps in understanding the economic landscape of minority-owned businesses.
The census seeks to address these knowledge gaps by capturing essential information such as:
- Revenue ranges
- Industries of operation
- Number of employees
- Overall economic impact of Black-owned businesses
Significance of Participation
Participation in this census is vital for increasing visibility and access to resources for Black entrepreneurs in Birmingham. For instance, in 2022, there were 2,653 minority employer firms in the Birmingham region that generated approximately $4.23 billion in sales. However, many businesses, especially those participating in accelerator programs or those not holding business licenses due to various reasons, are not currently represented in official data. Thus, the census encourages all business owners with a connection to Birmingham to participate, regardless of their licensing status.
Local Impact and Community Involvement
The initiative also seeks to foster a sense of community among Birmingham’s business owners. A recent networking event for women entrepreneurs highlighted this aspect, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and support within the local business ecosystem. Experts, including Autumn Sanders of Quire Consulting, who is spearheading the census effort, emphasize that this initiative could create a roadmap for future success for Black business owners in Birmingham.
Demand for Data and Resource Allocation
There is a growing demand from various stakeholders, such as policymakers, city planners, and local business development agencies, for insights derived from the census data. By understanding the specific needs and capabilities of Black-owned businesses, local governments and organizations can develop targeted support programs and allocate resources more efficiently. This approach contrasts with the limitations of relying solely on existing business license data, which fails to capture many key aspects of the local business landscape.
Next Steps and Encouragement for Participation
The Birmingham Black Business Census will continue gathering data until April 30, 2025. Business owners interested in contributing to this important initiative can find further information and complete the census form by visiting the designated census website. The success of this census is contingent on widespread participation, which will ultimately contribute to the growth and sustainability of Black-owned businesses in the city.
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Additional Resources
- Bham Now: Calling All Black Business Owners of Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- AL.com: Birmingham Black Business Census
- Google Search: Birmingham Black Business Census
- ABC3340: Birmingham Black Business Census
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
- Bham Now: Celebrate Black History Month
- Google News: Black-Owned Businesses Birmingham
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.
