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Birmingham Business Alliance & City of Birmingham Announce 2026 Small Business Week

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA), in partnership with the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity and Office of Business Diversity & Opportunity, will host its annual Small Business Week - Build Big: Elevate Your Vision, Empower Your Journey from May 3–9, 2026, bringing together entrepreneurs and business leaders for a dynamic week of recognition, networking, and growth-focused programming.

Designed to celebrate the impact of small businesses across the Birmingham region, this year’s lineup features a mix of interactive learning experiences and high-energy networking opportunities, aimed at strengthening the local business ecosystem in the Birmingham region and beyond. 

BBA’s cornerstone event of the week, the BBA Quarterly Luncheon: Build Big and Grow, happening Thursday, May 7 and features captivating speakers, Justin Guarini and Kim Walsh Phillips. Justin brings decades of experience charming audiences from American Idol to Broadway, while Kim has led billion‑dollar marketing strategies for high‑profile clients including Kevin O’Leary. Together, they offer a proven blueprint for helping entrepreneurs and business leaders turn every stage literal or figurative into a powerful, revenue‑generating platform. 

 

See the current 2026 Small Business Week BBA-partnered events below:

  • Monday, May 4 – Grounds for Conversation
    • 7:30–9:00 a.m. | The Toasted Yolk Cafe - 231 20th St S, Birmingham 35233
    • A casual networking event to launch the week and enjoy a complimentary coffee on us. Attendees will have the chance to receive “Golden Tickets” for an exclusive Chat & Chew event.
    • Free to attend
  • Tuesday, May 5 – Small Business Intensive Open House
    • 5:30–8:00 p.m. | BBA - 2117 2nd Ave N., Suite 100, Birmingham 35203
    • An interactive open house offering a behind-the-scenes look at the BBA’s Small Business Intensive program. Guests will participate in peer mentoring and collaborative breakout sessions.
    • Free to attend
  • Thursday, May 7 – BBA Quarterly Luncheon: Build Big and Grow
    • 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | The Florentine - 2101 2nd Ave N, Birmingham 35203
    • The cornerstone event of the week, featuring keynote speakers, Justin Guarini and Kim Walsh Phillips.
    • BBA Members: $35; Non-Members: $55 
  • Friday, May 8 – Chat & Chew
    • 9 to 11 a.m. 
    • An exclusive lunch experience for Golden Ticket recipients, offering direct access to Justin Guarini and Kim Walsh for candid conversation and feedback.
    • Free to attend; special invitation only

“Our small business community represents the very best of Birmingham—hard work, creativity, and a deep commitment to serving others,” said Victor Brown, BBA Director of Small Business. “Small Business Week allows us to celebrate their contributions while reinforcing our commitment to helping them navigate challenges and seize new opportunities for growth.” 

Through targeted programs and intentional connections, the Birmingham Business Alliance supports small businesses by strengthening access to capital, workforce resources, and strategic guidance that fuel innovation, job creation, and long-term prosperity.

The BBA is especially glad to bring this level of engagement and inspiration to our region during Small Business Week, a time dedicated to celebrating and empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs who fuel Birmingham’s growth.

For more details about BBA-partnered Small Business Week events, please visit https://www.birminghambusinessalliance.com/small-business-week/. For a full listing of City of Birmingham sponsored events, please visit https://ieo.birminghamal.gov/bhmup/.

All media inquiries should be directed to Audrey Pannell Tyler at atyler@birminghambusinessalliance.com or 205.837.3140. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. If interested, please contact Martina Winston at mwinston@birminghambusinessalliance.com. 

 

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