The Founding Story
The Founding Story When the Birmingham Business Resource Center officially opened its doors on November 25, 1996, it did not appear as a polished institution with a large budget, a gleaming headquarters, or a deep staff bench. It began the way many entrepreneurial ventures begin — with limited resources, enormous…
Hoover Area Chamber – Women’s Business & Leadership Council Coffee and Networking
August 5 - Free to attend, bring a friend!
Why the Birmingham Business Resource Center Exists
Why the Birmingham Business Resource Center Exists We are in the business of helping businesses get to yes. By Bob Dickerson Executive Director, Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC) In life, most people want the answer to be yes. Even as children, when we asked for candy, toys, or permission to…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…











