Best Small Business Resources in the Birmingham Area

Description

REV Birmingham has two accelerator-style programs that entrepreneurs will find helpful for starting their small business. BIZ 1.0 helps entrepreneurs refine a concept they have for a business so they can move forward with turning it into a successful operation, or to see that the idea they had may not be viable for the time and place and can move on to something else. The second program, CO.STARTERS, is a ten week program that involves talking with potential customers in order to test the validity of their business idea and prepare for a successful launch.

Restrictions

Entrepreneurs must complete and submit an application in order to be considered for the CO.STARTERS program.

Description

The BBIS provides a home for entrepreneurs trying to start service, information technology, or light manufacturing businesses. Their facility houses the machines and staff required to let these businesses function.The BBIS also assists with developing business and marketing plans, doing market research, and includes seminars to help with some of the more administrative functions of running a successful business. 

Restrictions

Cannot serve retail-oriented businesses. 

Description

The BBRC tries to provide as many business services as they can, including funding, mentoring opportunities, business plan assistance and critique, and more. Getting funding through the BBRC may involve them being an advocate to local banks on your behalf, or they may provide a loan for your business themselves. Loans range from $5000 to $5.5 million. 

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

The Innovation Depot features 4 unique programs for its clients, providing well-rounded business support to its members. Elevate Incubation allows entrepreneurs access to a private office or wet lab, internet, parking, conference rooms, seminars and events, and a network of peers and mentors to learn from. Depot/U has courses provided by Innovate Birmingham and Covalence. The Depot/U program teaches entrepreneurs coding skills they will need to get their technology business off the ground. Velocity Accelerator runs from January to April each year, the Velocity accelerator is a technology-focused program in which participants receive $50,000, space within the Innovation Depot to work, and are given connections to other entrepreneurs to grow their company rapidly. Ignite is a simple coworking space in which an entrepreneur can pay $150 to $200 per month to receive a desk to work at with free parking, internet, up to 5 hours of conference rooms per month, and an invitation to seminars and events at the Innovation Depot. 

Description

Make BHM is a facility that features 2 levels: one for workshops perfect for creating products, and an upper level that functions as coworking office space for entrepreneurs who work with digital creations. A variety of membership options are available to suit different professional needs, from coworking and the occasional use of the shop space all the way to dedicated studio space for your projects. The organization also hosts classes on working with different tools or mediums.