Apply to join Birmingham’s Small Business Council by March 4
Birmingham, AL — The City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity has opened the application process for small business owners, start-up founders, ecosystem builders and small business supporters to serve on the city’s 22-person Small Business Council. The SBC will act as an advisory group to Mayor Randall L. Woodfin and IEO, recommending actions, policies and programs to facilitate and accelerate the city’s support of small businesses.
The deadline to apply for the council is Thursday, March 4, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Applications may be found at www.birminghamal.gov/smallbiz. Applicants are required to upload a resume, a letter of interest, and two letters of recommendation. All questions should be sent to smallbiz@birminghamal.gov.
The first council launched in 2019. The 2021 application process allows for the selection of a second Small Business Council, which represents Mayor Randall L. Woodfin’s ongoing interest in growing small businesses in Birmingham.
“Uplifting small businesses – specifically women and minority-owned business – has long been a top priority of my administration. That priority takes a renewed focus now as we continue to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,’’ Mayor Woodfin said. “The Small Business Council not only gives our entrepreneurs a voice, it directly connects our city with those businesses that have long been the backbone of our economy. The Small Business Council is a key component in how we rebuild for the future.’’
In its first year, the SBC advised the city on concerns of small businesses and helped to inform strategies and policies to promote and support the local business community. Abra Barnes and Damian Carson, co-chairs of the city’s first SBC, said the group assisted in the launch of an online platform that allowed businesses to pay taxes online. Also, with the devastation of COVID-19, they helped roll out Birmingham Strong Fund to provide low interest funding to small businesses.
The SBC’s meetings, which will be held quarterly and virtually, will be led by Coreata’ Houser, IEO’s deputy director. Sub-committees will meet as needed to address emerging issue areas and produce responsive recommendations/reports. The full SBC will submit recommendations to IEO and Mayor Woodfin, when appropriate, throughout the year.
The SBC will focus on guiding the city’s support of women-, minority- and disadvantaged business enterprises, help identify technical assistance programs to promote to small businesses, create ways to celebrate and promote small business and more.
The SBC will also meet the goals of the Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity’s strategic plan. The strategic plan may be viewed here.
The 22 members of the SBC will be appointed to serve two-year terms. Fifty percent of the SBC must be minority and women business owners. Also, 75% of the SBC must be Birmingham residents. Preference will be given to individuals whose main place of work is within Birmingham city limits. Members of the council will be selected to represent diverse business enterprises, including professional services, contractors, lifestyle businesses, start-ups and legacy businesses.
