Birmingham Business Resource Center: Strengthening Alabama’s small business ecosystem

Our programs

The Birmingham Business Resource Center is a “one-stop-shop” designed to assist entrepreneurs in every stage of development of their business.

How Birmingham Business Resource Center supports small businesses

  • In Birmingham, Alabama, many small businesses, especially those led by historically under-resourced entrepreneurs, operate on thin margins in sectors like personal services, food, and retail. These businesses can transform neighborhoods, but they often face steep challenges accessing capital, navigating procurement processes, or scaling sustainably.
  • Since 1996, the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC) has served as a central hub for small business development, providing financial assistance, business advising, and supplier diversity training. Their work equips entrepreneurs to grow, compete for contracts, and build long-term resilience — unlocking broader economic opportunity across the region.

Program overview

Our work together

With support from Mastercard Strive USA, BBRC is expanding its efforts to ensure that more small businesses in Birmingham can access the capital, guidance, and opportunities they need to grow. This work includes:

  • Expanding capital pathways: BBRC deploys microloans and connects entrepreneurs to larger financing options through a trusted network of lenders, including other Mastercard Strive USA partners.
  • Sharpening technical skills: Through one-on-one advising and group workshops, BBRC equips small business owners with practical knowledge in areas like credit, financial planning, and business development.
  • Bridging small businesses to opportunity: BBRC leverages its strong relationships with Alabama’s corporate leaders to connect procurement-ready businesses with mentorship, capacity-building, and contract opportunities.

By the numbers

In 2024, BBRC:

  • Deployed 15+ microloans totaling over $270,000
  • Helped participating businesses increase their combined revenue by more than $3.7 million
  • Hosted 20 trainings and workshops that helped 3 businesses secure new contracts

“Our partnership with Mastercard's Strive USA initiative is invaluable to us at the Birmingham Business Resource Center. It empowers us to do what we are truly passionate about: helping small business owners realize their dreams and make meaningful contributions to our community. The synergy of experience, passion, and resources within this collaboration is driving exceptional results that positively impact our local economy.”

Bob Dickerson

Executive Director, Birmingham Business Resource Center

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