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Sep 25
16th Street Baptist Church Bombing
On this day, September 15, 1963, as I walked home from Sunday school, I learned that the 16th Street Baptist Church had been bombed. Birmingham still sits in this position as the ground zero for the changes that were made after the bombing. We still think about the four little…
31
Jul 25
What It Really Takes to Get a Business Loan — And How the BBRC Can Help You Get There
When you’re ready to grow your business, applying for a business loan is often a critical step. Whether it’s to expand operations, purchase equipment, or boost working capital, outside financing can make a big difference. But getting approved isn’t about filling out a form and hoping for the best—it’s about…
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Jul 25
Impact in Action: A Powerful Week with Our Start Smart Young Entrepreneurs (July 14–18)
Last week was nothing short of extraordinary. We welcomed a group of bright and determined young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to the Start Smart Young Entrepreneurs Program, a weeklong journey designed to equip them with the tools, mindset, and resources to launch and grow their businesses. These students—some already…
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Jul 25
What Technical Assistance Really Means at BBRC
At the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC), we’ve spent the last 29 years doing something that doesn’t always show up neatly in a business plan or a grant report: we’ve built relationships that are real. With small business owners who walk through our doors with ideas, questions, dreams, and sometimes…
03
Jul 25
The Importance of Networking
In the world of business, what you know is important—but who you know can be just as critical. Whether you’re launching a startup, scaling your company, or navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, building strong relationships through networking can open doors, spark collaborations, and fuel long-term success. At the Birmingham Business…
26
Jun 25
Understanding Business Certifications: DBE, MBE, WBE, and More
For small businesses, especially those owned by minorities, women, and other historically underrepresented groups, certifications like DBE, MBE, WBE, and VBE can open doors to lucrative government contracts, private sector opportunities, and business development support. But with so many acronyms, it can be hard to understand what each certification means…
18
Jun 25
The Top 10 Hidden Realities of Starting a Business
Starting a business is often glamorized. From social media entrepreneurs showcasing success stories to motivational content encouraging you to “be your boss,” it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of entrepreneurship. But behind the glossy highlight reels are the unspoken truths that can make or break a business—and…
16
Jun 25
Mental Health & Burnout Prevention for Business Owners
At the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC), we work with some of the hardest-working entrepreneurs you’ll ever meet. Many of them don’t just run businesses—they juggle full-time jobs, raise families, and manage everything else life throws at them. During a recent session, one client told me about her daily routine…
13
Jun 25
Staying Resilient in Uncertain Times: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Navigating Economic Shifts and Tariffs
In today’s economy, uncertainty has become part of the landscape. From supply chain disruptions to the ever-shifting tariff environment, many small business owners are facing challenges they’ve never encountered before. If that sounds like you—you’re not alone. And the good news is: support is available. Understand How Tariffs Affect Your…
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Jun 25
How Small Businesses Are Using AI to Work Smarter in 2025
For many small business owners in Birmingham, the term “artificial intelligence” used to sound like something out of a sci-fi movie. Today, it’s becoming a powerful, affordable tool to solve real-world challenges—right here in our local economy. AI isn’t replacing small business owners—it’s empowering them. From saving time on repetitive…
05
Jun 25
A Season for Growth: What Summer Means for Small Business Owners in Birmingham
As the summer sun rises over Birmingham, Alabama, nature enters a season of bold color, long days, and new life. For small business owners, June isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s a chance to embrace that same spirit of growth and renewal. Summer Is a Metaphor for Momentum Just…
03
Jun 25
Scaling Up Smart: Financial Planning for Business Expansion
Growth is the goal of every business, but expansion without a solid financial plan can quickly turn opportunity into chaos. Whether opening a second location, adding new services, hiring staff, or investing in equipment, expanding your business requires more than ambition—it requires strategy. For entrepreneurs in Birmingham and beyond, there’s…
22
May 25
The Widening Racial Wealth Gap
Recent data confirms a troubling truth: the racial wealth gap in the United States is not only persistent—it is widening. For Black small business owners, this growing disparity poses both challenges and opportunities that must be addressed with urgency and strategic action. The Numbers Behind the Gap According to the…
15
May 25
Understanding the 3 Essential Financial Statements Every Small Business Owner Should Know
Whether you’re applying for funding, preparing your taxes, or simply making better business decisions, understanding your financial statements is essential. At BBRC, we often meet small business owners who are passionate about their products and services but less confident when it comes to their finances. If that sounds like you,…
08
May 25
The Top 5 Challenges Facing Small Business Owners in 2025 (And How to Overcome Them)
Small business owners are the backbone of the economy, driving innovation, job creation, and community growth. However, 2025 presents unique challenges that entrepreneurs must navigate to ensure success. Below are the top five challenges facing small business owners this year, along with strategies to overcome them. Economic Uncertainty and Inflation…
Why So Many Small Contractors Are Under Bonded — And What You Can Do About It
Overcoming Obstacles to Bonding for Public Contracts For many small business owners, especially contractors looking to work with cities, counties, or utilities, bonding is a gateway to growth. But too often, it becomes a barrier instead. Public entities typically require performance and payment bonds before awarding work. These bonds protect…
01
May 25
How One Networking Event Led to a Game-Changing Contract for Q Rock Movers
Meet LeNardo Oliver, Co-Owner of Q Rock Movers LLC, and learn how a BBRC connection helped take his business to the next level. Four years ago, LeNardo Oliver hustled daily to find steady work. As the co-owner of Q Rock Movers LLC, a dump truck hauling company, he often picked…
23
Apr 25
April Is Financial Literacy Month: Empowering Communities Through Education and Visionary Leadership
April is recognized as National Financial Literacy Month in the United States—a time set aside to emphasize the importance of financial education and promote access to tools and resources that help individuals make informed decisions about their money. Established in 2004, Financial Literacy Month encourages organizations, schools, and communities to…
28
Feb 25
Investing in the Future: Supporting the BBRC During Black History Month
Every year, when Black History Month arrives, Americans pause to reflect on the achievements and contributions of African Americans—visionaries who have enriched our nation’s heritage and championed social progress. This commemoration extends beyond remembering the trailblazers of the past; it also highlights the work of contemporary leaders who are continually…
21
Feb 25
Carrying Forward the Dream: How Dr. A.G. Gaston’s Legacy Inspires Bob Dickerson and the BBRC This Black History Month
Every February, communities across the United States celebrate Black History Month—a time to reflect on the achievements, struggles, and enduring spirit of Black Americans. When we honor history’s greatest trailblazers, our attention often goes to icons of civil rights and social justice. Yet, there is another essential dimension to Black…
14
Feb 25
Economic Justice and the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.: How Bob Dickerson and the BBRC Continue the Dream
When most people reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they often recall his rousing speeches on civil rights, equality, and the moral imperative to eradicate racism in America. While these efforts were undeniably central to the national conversation, Dr. King’s vision also encompassed an equally urgent matter: economic justice.…
13
Feb 25
Credit Repair vs. Credit Building: What’s Best for Your Business?
For many entrepreneurs, credit is the foundation of financial success. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing business, your credit profile affects your ability to secure loans, attract investors, and negotiate better terms with suppliers. However, there’s often confusion between credit repair and credit building—two distinct strategies that…
07
Feb 25
Empowering Black Entrepreneurship: How Bob Dickerson and the Birmingham Business Resource Center Are Making History
In the tapestry of Black history, the narratives we celebrate most often revolve around the champions who propelled progress despite adversity—from civil rights leaders and groundbreaking educators to trailblazing entrepreneurs who reimagined what Black economic empowerment could look like. In Birmingham, Alabama, one such champion is Bob Dickerson, whose work…
Redefining Capital: Beyond Traditional Business Loans
A common misconception persists in small business funding: when we say “capital,” we’re often really talking about debt. For most small businesses, including those served by the SBA, BBRC, and other lenders, what’s offered isn’t true capital—it’s debt, designed to facilitate specific activities but not to fuel transformative growth. Here’s…
The Three-Legged Stool: Capacity, Capital, and Customers
Capacity capital and customers. You’ll see these referred to on our websites, social media and on other material developed and distributed by the Birmingham Business Resource Center. I began using that combination of words as I conceptualized the center as a one stop for small business financing and related technical…
Customer Retention vs. New Clients: Finding the Right Balance
Please bear with me as I drop a nugget to business owners. Always remember this, your client base cannot resemble a revolving door. If adding new customers or clients jeopardizes the older ones, you’ll likely find yourself treading water in business. Here are a few things to keep in mind.…
Beware Predatory Business Loans: How BBRC Can Help
I’ve seen several ads from companies that promote small business loans. Most seem to target businesses who can’t or who don’t believe that can get bank financing. Lets be clear, banks are conservative and there are many, deserving entrepreneurs who are in the market for financing but, aren’t deemed “bank…
20
Dec 23
Conference in Review: How Mayors are Accelerating Minority Business Growth and Economic Equity
Background The 2023 NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange and Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, organized collaboratively by NMSDC and the MBDA, was held at the Baltimore Convention Center Oct.22-25. The gathering brought together mayors and high-level federal partners to deliberate on the ramifications of recent…
13
Dec 23
BBRC LAUNCHES Community Connect eGift Card CELEBRATE SMALL BUSINESS SEASON & SUPPORT LOCAL MERCHANTS
Now give the experience of Birmingham’s unique restaurants, shops, entertainment and more to friends, family, employees, and clients in one simple digital Community Gift Card. This year, the Birmingham Business Resource Center wants to encourage you to keep holiday shopping local. Small businesses are the backbone of our community,…
05
Dec 23
Entrepreneurship: A Workforce Development Strategy
Throughout its evolution, the landscape of workforce development has shifted gradually. However, the profound significance of entrepreneurship as a cornerstone strategy remains somewhat underestimated. Despite its transformative potential, entrepreneurship’s pivotal role in sculpting a versatile and resilient workforce has yet to receive widespread recognition within traditional frameworks. In this article,…
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Sep 23
Access to Capital through FinTech
Access to capital is like the heartbeat of small businesses, driving growth and innovation. But here’s where things get interesting: fintech companies have swooped in, like modern-day superheroes, with solutions tailor-made for business owners like you. Picture this: a world where funding isn’t a complex puzzle, but a path paved…
30
Jan 23
4 Things Small Business Owners Should Consider Doing In 2023
Welcome, 2023. Did you go into the fourth quarter of 2022 promising to find new ways to grow your business in 2023? Of course, you did. Everyone does. Then life happened. Thanksgiving popped up, Christmas stole a whole month, you blinked, and now 2023 is here and in full swing.…
20
Apr 21
Looking for the Right Business Lender? BBRC Can Help Identify the Best Fit for Your Needs
Businesses that have the right capital partners (lenders or investors) have a better chance at succeeding in the marketplace.
13
Apr 21
Want Your Business to Soar? The BBRC is Prepared to Help You
Successful businesses must be built on three foundations to soar to the next level: Access to capital, the ability to identify market opportunities to acquire customers, and the ability to build sufficient business capacity.
06
Apr 21
The A.G. Gaston Business Institute: Fueling Entrepreneurship 365 Days a Year
The A.G. Business Institute is a tribute to the late Arthur George (A.G.) Gaston, a legendary African-American entrepreneur who Black Enterprise hailed as the Black Entrepreneur of the 20th Century.
30
Mar 21
The BBRC: A One Stop Source for Small Business and Technical Assistance
Capacity, capital and customers. You'll see this phrase referred to on our websites, social media and on other material developed and distributed by the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC).