Connections
Make the impossible possible for your business
At BBRC, we see first-hand every day how the right resources make the impossible, possible for small businesses. Connect with the organizations below to access key tools and resources to give your business an edge.
Direct Services
AGGBI was originally formed as the fiscal manager of the annual A.G. Gaston Conference. It has evolved to fuel entrepreneurship and business ownership 365 days a year.
Connect with AGGBI to learn business strategies from peers, receive opportunities to be a featured entrepreneur, advertise promotions/recognition and be listed in the business directory.
This annual Birmingham conference is usually held in February. It celebrates Birmingham business giant A.G. Gaston’s legacy with workshops and seminars that address a variety of topics in business management, starting a business and more.
A statewide program built to enhance economic growth in Alabama by providing management and technical assistance to small businesses. Certified business counselors are available in the program’s 12 centers across the state. They can help those wanting to start or expand their business.
Has association members across America that offer services to help small business owners develop a business plan, identify market opportunities, set sales and profit goals, access capital and more.
This group was formed with the 2009 merger of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Metropolitan Development Board. It focuses on the economic growth of the seven-county region of metro Birmingham. It is a strong, well-rounded entity that promotes dynamic growth in the region, and it works to improve the area’s quality of life. It is located in downtown Birmingham.
As a concerned corporate citizen, the Birmingham Water Works Board is responsive to the needs of the entire community and strive to maintain, preserve and conserve precious water resources in order to ensure adequate water quality and supply for future generations.
The mission of the Camino Loan Fund is to create inclusive economic growth by providing access to capital for Latinxs, immigrants and Low to Moderate Income (LMI) underserved communities.
CenterState’s business structure is designed to value the unique character of the communities they serve and to encourage decision making by the banker that is closest to the action.
Iron ore, coal, and limestone defined Birmingham more than 140 years ago. Today, the Magic City is a vibrant place of outstanding communities committed to becoming the best version of Birmingham. Birmingham is home to world-class medical research, a celebrated food and arts scene, and the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. It’s a community dedicated to fostering growth through a progressive business climate and a devotion to social justice.
¡HICA! is a community development and advocacy organization that champions economic equality, civic engagement, and social justice for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama. Core programs include the Citizenship and Immigration Program, Community Economic Development Program, Education and Career Pathways Program, and Strong Families.
Hope Enterprise Corporation (HEC) is a community development financial institution (CDFI) dedicated to strengthening communities, building assets and improving lives in under-resourced communities throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.
As Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, Innovate Alabama implements programs and policies that support Alabama’s innovation ecosystem. Through these efforts, Innovate Alabama empowers entrepreneurs, business owners and students to build a business, a career and a life in Alabama.
Innovation Depot is an incubator that empowers entrepreneurs pursue their startup dreams, build dynamic teams, and contribute to the growth of Birmingham. It equips founders with the resources, support, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Neighborhood Concepts, Inc. (NCI) is a Huntsville-based non-profit focused on strengthening neighborhoods through the creation of affordable housing and the advancement of economic opportunities. NCI offers access to capital to small businesses and entrepreneurs in North Alabama through its CDFI subsidiary, the NCI Loan Fund.
Network Navigator connects Alabama entrepreneurs to business support organizations and ecosystem partners; events, workshops, and funding opportunities; industry roundtables and networking sessions;
mentorship, TA provider matchmaking, and more.
Prosper’s vision is to build the most inclusive and thriving economy in the Southeast by ensuring we have an aligned, inclusive, measurable and funded Job Creation, Job Preparation and Job Access strategy for the city and the county.
REV is an economic development organization that plays a pivotal role in the growth of business and the quality of life in Birmingham’s City Center and its Neighborhood Commercial Centers. Through proactive business recruitment, rev fuels commercial vitality.
Sabre Finance is a nonprofit that provides an innovative approach to investing in small businesses in Alabama through creative financial options for start-up and mid-life companies in the manufacturing & distribution, healthcare, tech, specialized and emerging industries. Sabre Finance is approved to offer SBA loan products under SBA’s Lender/Microloan programs.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns. The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
The Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council provides both advocacy and business development services to certified Asian-American, Native-American, Hispanic-American, and African-American owned companies. They specialize in facilitating new and existing regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).
This organization’s mission is to stimulate economic development in underserved communities by providing innovative financial solutions and hands-on technical assistance to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. TruFund offers more than a loan – they provide an opportunity for underserved small businesses and low-income communities to thrive.
Truist’s purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities. Every day, the pursuit of better drives them—to empower clients with more choice, teammates with more fulfillment, and communities with more hope. They boldly believe in the power of what we can achieve together.
UII is a local place based economic development agency that advances asset building economic opportunity, and revitalization of the Historic 4th Avenue Business District and the Civil Rights District through support and services to assist individuals, businesses and developers.
MBDA's national network of Business Centers, Specialty Centers, and programs delivers customized business development and industry-focused services to help Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) access capital, contracts, and markets.
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. WBENC, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to provide its world class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. Outside of the United States, certification is provided by our alliance partner, WEConnect International.
Certification Agencies
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns. The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.
Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. WBENC, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to provide its world class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country. Outside of the United States, certification is provided by our alliance partner, WEConnect International.
The Birmingham Construction Industry Authority certifies Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) as bona fide firms and provides them with
business counseling and technical assistance support services from their staff and affiliates.
Advocacy Groups
The Community and Economic Development (CED) Division of ADECA is responsible for implementing and managing the SSBCI program in Alabama. The State Banking Department will advise and assist the ADECA staff in the program implementation.
This annual Birmingham conference is usually held in February. It celebrates Birmingham business giant A.G. Gaston’s legacy with workshops and seminars that address a variety of topics in business management, starting a business and more.
This nonprofit group was formed to create opportunities and a better environment for microenterprise development in Alabama.
Has association members across America that offer services to help small business owners develop a business plan, identify market opportunities, set sales and profit goals, access capital and more.
BAR seeks to support, create, and implement long-term solutions, which include providing tools and resources to build the community and individual economic well-being.
The National Community Reinvestment Coalition helps create opportunities for people to build wealth. Since 1990, the NCRC has been working with community leaders, policymakers, and financial institutions to champion fairness in banking, housing, and business.
UII is a local place based economic development agency that advances asset building economic opportunity, and revitalization of the Historic 4th Avenue Business District and the Civil Rights District through support and services to assist individuals, businesses and developers.