Small Business Development
Over 80% of the BBA’s membership is comprised of small businesses. Small business development is vital to the economic prosperity and overall success of our region. The BBA strongly supports and values small business initiatives by providing councils, committees, networking events, educational and training seminars and other forums for BBA investors.
Birmingham Regional Enterprise Council
As designed by the BBA’s 5-year strategic plan, Blueprint Birmingham, the BREC is comprised of representatives from each of the BBA Business Councils and roundtables to augment and better coordinate regional small business and entrepreneurial assistance. For more information on the BREC, please contact sbc@birminghambusinessalliance.net. The BREC can be found in section 9.1 of Blueprint Birmingham.
Small Business Council
The members of the council are responsible for coordinating seminars that support the growth and development of small business as well as plan Small Business Week -- a celebration of the creativity and energy of entrepreneurs during the second week of May. Small Business Week creates awareness of the significant contributions that small businesses make to our economy. Meetings are scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of each month at the BBA. Committee membership is open to those that desire to promote small business and entrepreneurship and are willing to contribute to the success of the council. Chaired by Richard Wallace of Organizational Success Management. For more information, please contact sbc@birminghambusinessalliance.net.
Entrepreneur’s Roundtable Program
Multiple groups of business owners meet monthly to share in confidence, their business experiences. It is open to any BBA member business owner, but participants are solely selected by the current roundtable members via an application process. Participation must be approved due to the confidential nature of discussions. Chaired by Dan Pahos of Home Instead Senior Care. For more information, please contact roundtables@birminghambusinessalliance.net.
Executive Women’s Roundtables
The roundtables address issues of personal and professional growth for women business owners and top-level executives. Participants attend monthly lunch meetings which include opportunities for information gathering, problem solving and networking. Participants are solely selected by the current roundtable members via an application process. For more information, please contact roundtables@birminghambusinessalliance.net.
Small Business Events
Annual Small Business Week Celebration
Held each May, this week long event features a VIP kick off reception to honor past award winners and current nominees, a full-day expo and Small Business Summit, educational seminars and breakout sessions, Jr. Achievement Scholarship competition to deserving area students, and an awards program to recognize the achievements of the small business community in Birmingham’s seven-county region. Visit www.bhamsmallbiz.com to learn more about this event. For additional information, please contact sbc@birminghambusinessalliance.net.
Education and Training Seminars
Held regularly throughout the year. Topics are chosen at random, but often chosen due to timely current events to further assist our investors. Please check out the BBA events page for any upcoming future seminars.