The City of Birmingham seeks to drive growth, access, and opportunity for entrepreneurs during its Small Business Week 2026

From the City of Birmingham

Birmingham, AL — At a time when entrepreneurs are navigating rising costs, limited access to capital, and increasing competition, the City of Birmingham is taking bold action. From May 3 through May 9, the City will host Small Business Week 2026, an initiative designed to connect entrepreneurs directly to the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to grow and scale.   

Anchored by the theme “Build Big: Elevate Your Vision. Empower Your Journey,” this experience moves beyond celebration into execution, bringing together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, lenders, corporate partners,and ecosystem builders in a coordinated effort to strengthen Birmingham’s small-business ecosystem.

Powered by the Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Business Diversity & Opportunity, Small Business Week is expected to engage a critical mass of business owners across industries and growth stages.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Birmingham’s economy,” said Coreata’ R. Houser, Director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “This week is about more than celebration. It’s about creating real pathways for growth,ensuring our entrepreneurs have the resources, relationships, and support they need to succeed.”

Throughout the week, attendees will experience a range of curated events, including:  

• SUNDAY, MAY 3 – Build Big. Live Well: Reset, Recharge & Rise: Start the week with a welcoming wellness experience focused on reset, reflection, and renewal for the business community. 12–3 p.m. | Railroad Park, 16001st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233  
• MONDAY, MAY 4 – Grounds for Conversation Powered by the Birmingham Business Alliance: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs over coffee and engage with BBA’s Small Business team, which supports growth in Birmingham. 7:30–9 a.m. |Toasted Yolk, 231 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233  
• TUESDAY, MAY 5 – Small Business Intensive Open House Powered by the Birmingham Business Alliance: Learn about BBA’s Small Business Intensive, hear from past participants, and access tools and connections to supportbusiness growth. 5–8 p.m. | BBA Office, 2117 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203  
• WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 – Build Big. Scale Impact: Advancing Nonprofit Success: Join a conference experience focused on nonprofit growth, funding, and community impact. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | The Forum, 950 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203  
• WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 – Youth Pitch Competition: Support emerging young entrepreneurs as they present innovative ideas and solutions. 5–8 p.m. | The Forum, 950 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203  
• THURSDAY, MAY 7 – BBA Luncheon: Build Big & Grow: Attend a dynamic luncheon featuring insights on branding, communication, and growth to elevate your business. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | The Florentine, 2101 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203  
• THURSDAY, MAY 7 – Build Big: Leading, Lifting + Legacy (Women in Business): Celebrate women entrepreneurs, leadership, and lasting community impact in an engaging evening event. 5–8 p.m. | The Forum, 950 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203  
• FRIDAY, MAY 8 – Build Big Business in Birmingham and Beyond: Participate in a high-impact conference focused on scaling, capital access, and sustainable business growth. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Innovation Depot, 1500 1stAve N, Birmingham, AL 35203  
• FRIDAY, MAY 8 – Founders & Networking Mixer Powered by Magic City Sips: Meet founders, partners, and leaders in an energetic networking environment. Small Business Week represents a coordinated investment in Birmingham’sentrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing together public, private, and community partners to strengthen small business sustainability, expand access to capital, and drive long-term economic growth. 6–8:30 p.m. | Mayawell Tequila Bar, 2900 4th Avenue South, Birmingham,AL 35233  

“This is where vision meets execution,” said Monique Shorts, Senior Program Manager for the Office of Business Diversity & Opportunity. “We are creating intentional spaces where entrepreneurs can connect, access opportunities,and take meaningful steps to grow their businesses.”

For more Small Business Week activities around the city, visit the OBDO and IEO social channels. Sign up for the events here: https://ieo.birminghamal.gov/bhmup/