News Summary
Birmingham is set to launch its Small Business Week from May 4-10, 2025, featuring 15 events aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs. Organized by the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, the week includes networking, education, and celebration opportunities at various venues across the city, including a vibrant “Sunday Funday” concert, innovative commerce sessions, and the Youth Entrepreneur Pitch Competition.
Birmingham is officially launching its Small Business Week from May 4 to May 10, 2025, with a variety of events designed to support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the small business community. Organized by the city’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, this week-long celebration will feature 15 events focusing on networking, education, and community engagement.
The week kicks off with a “Sunday Funday” concert on May 4, starting at noon and concluding around 7 p.m. This vibrant event will include food, music, and local vendors, providing residents and entrepreneurs an engaging atmosphere to connect and celebrate.
Throughout the week, events will be hosted at multiple venues across Birmingham, including Innovation Depot, Terrific New Theatre, Avenue D Events, BIRMINGHa.m. CROSSPLEX, Florentine, and the Kress Building. These locations will serve as hubs for various activities aimed at empowering small business owners.
Key highlights of the week include:
- May 5: The Nonprofit Transformation event and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Archibald & Woodrow’s Grand Opening.
- May 6: Sessions dedicated to innovating commerce for small businesses.
- May 7: The Youth Entrepreneur Pitch Competition for participants aged 14-18.
- May 8: A Women in Business event focusing on leadership opportunities.
- May 9: Sessions on doing business in Birmingham and a networking event titled “Today’s Small Business, Tomorrow’s Legacy.”
- May 10: The Black Men Buy Houses Summit.
Local business owners, such as Emondre Johnson, exemplify the positive impact of the Birmingham Small Business Week Pitch Competition. After winning this competition, Johnson established The Bark Park, a business dedicated to dog daycare, grooming, and pet photography. This success story is one of many that demonstrate the supportive environment fostered by the city’s initiatives.
The Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity is focused on job creation and economic support through various initiatives and funding programs for small businesses. The Office of Business Development and Outreach (OBDO) has partnered with numerous local businesses to provide essential resources and technical assistance aimed at facilitating growth and sustainability.
Additionally, Grounds, a Black-owned coffee shop that opened in December 2023, is set to participate in the Small Business Week celebrations. Founders Reggie Collier and Tyler Hatcher emphasize their mission to create a community space that serves marginalized communities, further showcasing the city’s commitment to inclusivity.
To bolster its support for local entrepreneurs, the city has allocated $5 million to set up the Birmingham Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence. This center aims to provide targeted support and training for emerging businesses. The OBDO has already helped over 40 legacy businesses through its initiatives, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting the local economy.
The success of previous pitch competition winners, such as Jeddie Carnes of GLAAM Cosmetics, highlights the ongoing effectiveness of the programs offered by Birmingham’s economic development initiatives. Through Small Business Week, Birmingham is not only celebrating its entrepreneurial spirit but also reaffirming its commitment to nurturing a thriving ecosystem for small businesses and fostering economic mobility across the community.
As entrepreneurs and community members gather throughout the week, Birmingham will showcase its dedication to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth within its small business landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Diverse Business Council Summit Promotes Inclusivity in Alabama
Birmingham Small Business Week 2023 Celebrates Local Entrepreneurs
Birmingham Leaders Rally Against State Bill on Water Works Board
Birmingham City Council Boosts Local Economy with BBQ Investment
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee to Close in Homewood on April 30, 2025
Birmingham Appoints New Director of Community Engagement
Closure of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in Homewood, Alabama
Birmingham Gears Up for a Vibrant May with Diverse Events
Alabama Senate Approves Transition of Birmingham Water Works Board
Express Oil Change Opens New Location in Powhatan
Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Conference Schedule for Birmingham Small Business Week
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- CBS42: Sunday Funday Concert Set to Kickoff Small Business Week in Birmingham
- Google Search: Small Business Week Birmingham
- Bham Now: How to Celebrate Small Business Week with Birmingham Business Alliance
- Google Scholar: Birmingham Small Business Initiatives
- Birmingham Times: Local Entrepreneurs Get Boost from City’s Small Business Week
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Bham Now: Take Your Birmingham Business to New Heights
- Google News: Birmingham Entrepreneurship
