Skip to content
BBA Small Business Intensive

Fueling Growth: How the Birmingham Business Alliance’s Small Business Intensive is Empowering Birmingham Entrepreneurs 

Written by Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) Small Business Director Victor Brown 

Many business owners will attest to the fact that, while luck may contribute to their success, in most cases, their growth is not by accident. It is by design. On Tuesday, July 8, the Spring 2025 Small Business Intensive (SBI) wrapped up with a powerful celebration honoring 14 exceptional graduates who committed themselves to growth, learning and transformation. These small business leaders didn’t just complete a program, they gained a roadmap to work on their businesses, not just in them. 

BBA Director of Small Business Victor Brown carefully curated the SBI Spring curriculum to deliver the most relevant strategies, insights and connections to help small businesses thrive. The program blended education with action, combining expert instruction, peer mentorship and real-world application. 

Industry experts like Corporate Facilities Management Principal Jeremy Spratling and C&B Transportation|Blue Sky Logistics Founder Jason Burroughs joined as co-instructors, generously sharing their experiences to help other small businesses rise. 

Over 12 content-rich weeks, participants unlocked critical knowledge in areas such as: 

  • Building a scalable business model 
  • Accessing capital and navigating the financial landscape 
  • Embracing AI and emerging technologies 
  • Crafting growth strategies and executing with clarity 
  • Understanding business acquisitions and succession planning 
  • Connecting with corporate procurement partners 
  • Developing strong pitches and strategic 3-year plans 

This hands-on experience was supplemented by peer collaboration and exposure to the Inclusive Procurement Council and regional CEO mentors, giving business owners a direct line to procurement, mentorship and partnership opportunities. 

Spring 2025 Session Highlights: 

Week & Topic  Key Takeaways 
Week 1: Orientation  Welcome, program goals, mindset shift from operator to strategist 
Week 2: Marketing  Brand building, customer retention and digital strategy 
Week 3: Access to Capital  Funding readiness, capital sources, investor relations 
Week 4: Innovation & Tech  Digital transformation and operational efficiency 
Week 5: Accounting & Finance  Financial literacy and strategic planning through numbers 
Week 6: CEO Mentoring  Peer collaboration and insights from seasoned leaders 
Week 7: Financial Analysis  Deep dive into KPIs, margin strategies and sustainability 
Week 8: Artificial Intelligence  Practical AI tools for small businesses 
Week 9: Business Model Canvas  Designing a business model for scale and impact 
Week 10: Growth Planning  Finalizing strategic plans with EOS and design thinking 
Week 11: Business Acquisition  Exploring mergers, partnerships and buyouts 
Week 12: Pitch Practice  Final rehearsals for pitch presentation 
Graduation Day  Showcasing strategies, networking and celebration  

Congratulations to Our Spring 2025 Graduates! 

 We proudly recognize these dynamic business owners for their commitment to excellence:  

  • Jessica Cammack – The Mack Master Professional Organizing 
  • Laura Carden – GO Get Organized 
  • Sheryl Davidson – DRYmedic Restoration Services Trussville 
  • Jedrek Echols – Prefab Reinforcement Inc 
  • Daniel Grier – Magic City Fashion Week 
  • Hartnel Lambert – Lambert Financial 
  • Jerry Murphy, Jr. – Construction & Renovation Solutions 
  • Terri Parker – Reficient Solutions 
  • Rohen Porbanderwala – Lake Crest Chevron 
  • Tanya Pugh – 16th Cross Pearson Wearable Art Gallery 
  • Suresh Samayamanthula – American Scientific Technical Solutions LLC 
  • Joe Smith – Smith and Associates Enterprises 
  • Ryan Taylor – Bayou Gourmet Enterprises, Inc. 
  • Roosevelt “Bob” Young – Let’s Groove Entertainment, LLC   

Participants from the Spring 2025 SBI cohort reflected on their growth and shared key takeaways from the experience: 

“Participating in the Small Business Intensive (SBI) Cohort has been nothing short of transformative. Over the course of the program, we were immersed in a rigorous, hands-on curriculum that equipped us with essential tools to scale and sustain our businesses. From refining our marketing strategies to enhancing our accounting practices, every session was thoughtfully designed to build both our confidence and our capabilities as entrepreneurs. 

We mastered the art of the elevator pitch, learning how to clearly and confidently communicate our value in any setting, whether in a boardroom, at a networking event, or on a chance encounter. We also explored the power of artificial intelligence, discovering how to apply emerging technologies to optimize workflow, enhance customer engagement and drive innovation. 

The depth and quality of instruction made this experience feel equivalent to earning a Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship. It was indeed challenging, however it was also empowering, and inspiring. It was an invaluable journey of personal and professional growth for each of us. 

A heartfelt thank you to the Birmingham Business Alliance for your unwavering support and intentional commitment to cultivating one of the most vibrant and inclusive business ecosystems in the nation. Your vision and investment in local entrepreneurs is reshaping the future of our region.”  

Joe Smith, CEO of Smith and Associates Enterprises 

BBA’s Fall SBI will take place Aug. 5 through Oct. 21. We are looking forward to welcoming our new cohort of eager small business owners!  

To stay up to date with the latest events and updates from our Small Business Department, subscribe to our weekly newsletter, tune into our social media channels @BHMBizAlliance on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram and check in frequently to our Event Calendar.  

Categories

Archives