What Is It?
BUILD Birmingham, is a comprehensive entrepreneurial development and small business support program designed to increase economic mobility and expand business ownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents of the City of Birmingham. BUILD Birmingham will serve as a gateway to transformation, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the education, tools, and professional support needed to launch, formalize, and sustain successful businesses. The program will serve 20 participants who face barriers to economic opportunity and aspire to become entrepreneurs or small business owners. Participants will be selected through an application and intake process to ensure readiness, commitment, and alignment with program outcomes.
What You'll Gain
.png)
BUILD Birmingham offers a comprehensive business development experience that includes:
-
Entrepreneurship Training – Learn the fundamentals of business ownership, financial literacy, budgeting, market research, and business strategy.
-
Business Plan Development – Create a professional business plan that positions your business for growth, funding opportunities, and long-term success.
-
Branding & Marketing – Develop a strong brand identity, marketing strategy, and compelling business pitch that helps your business stand out.
-
Business Formation Support – Receive guidance and support on establishing your business through LLC registration, incorporation, or nonprofit formation, as appropriate.
-
One-on-One Business Coaching – Work alongside experienced business professionals who provide personalized coaching, accountability, and technical assistance throughout your entrepreneurial journey.
Program Outcomes
Elgibility & Requirements
By the end of BUILD Birmingham, participants will have the tools and confidence to:
-
Launch or strengthen a sustainable business
-
Develop a comprehensive business plan
-
Establish a legally registered business
-
Build a recognizable brand and effective marketing strategy
-
Increase financial literacy and entrepreneurial leadership skills
-
Position their business for future growth, funding, and contracting opportunities
Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
The business must either be owned by a low- and moderate-income (LMI) individual (Birmingham resident) or the assistance must create or retain jobs for LMI persons in the Birmingham metro area).
-
Commit to full participation in the 9-month BUILD Birmingham program, including attending classes held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month (90-minute sessions), beginning September 24, 2026.
-
Attend at least 85% of all program sessions to remain in good standing.
-
Participate in required one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance sessions.
-
Complete all required assignments and participate in all program activities
-
Be willing to actively work toward launching, formalizing, or growing a business during the program.
-
Respond to program communications and complete any required surveys, assessments, or reporting needed to measure program outcomes.
Building Birmingham's Future
BUILD Birmingham is more than a business development program, it's an investment in people and communities. By equipping local entrepreneurs with practical skills, professional guidance, and meaningful connections, the program creates pathways to economic mobility, encourages job creation, and helps build a stronger economy across the City of Birmingham.
Whether you're ready to launch your first business, expand an existing venture, or transform an idea into reality, BUILD Birmingham is your gateway to building a stronger future.
Deadline to apply: September 11, 2026.
