FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Marie Sutton
205-503-3436
marie.sutton@birminghamal.gov
CONTACT: Courtney Hall
Retail Strategies
chall@retailstrategies.com
BIRMINGHAM, AL (May 7, 2025) – The City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity and Retail Strategies has launched the Small Business Support platform for local business owners. This resource will provide comprehensive training in a wide range of topics, from marketing and finances to real estate and business modernization, designed to help local businesses thrive and grow.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering economic growth in Birmingham,” said Cornell Wesley, Director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “Our mission is to put the residents of Birmingham first by creating quality jobs, preparing workers for those jobs and ensuring that residents can access the skill development for those jobs. Supporting our local entrepreneurs is a crucial step toward building a more vibrant and inclusive economy.”
“Our goal is to meet the needs of small businesses in our community.”
“Our goal is to meet the needs of small businesses in our community,” said Monique Shorts, Senior Program Manager for the Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity. “The programming developed by Retail Strategies will provide a diverse array of training for local business owners to meet them where they are, regardless of what stage they’re at in their business journey. The courses are virtual and go-at-your-own-pace which is ideal for entrepreneurs.”
Retail Strategies is committed to providing Birmingham’s small business owners with the resources and support they need to enhance their operations, attract customers, and increase revenue. The Small Business Support platform is part of Retail Strategies’ broader mission to foster vibrant, economically prosperous communities.
“We are excited to launch our Small Business Support platform with the City of Birmingham. Our team specializes in creating dynamic places in diverse urban centers, and we understand that small businesses are vital to these communities,” said Lacy Beasley, President at Retail Strategies. “It’s important to show them support in new ways to grow their revenue and business.”
This launch is part of a weeklong effort to support and amplify businesses during Small Business Week 2025 from May 4 to May 10. The theme is “Ignite and Thrive: Fueling Small Business Success” and is a laser-focused attempt to provide high-impact support and resources directly to local business owners. The city is bringing together top experts, facilitating meaningful connections, and offering practical strategies through engaging virtual and in-person workshops, panels, and networking sessions.
Small businesses can inquire about the Small Business Support platform at smallbiz@birminghamal.gov.
Get details about Small Business Week 2025 here.
About Retail Strategies
Retail Strategies is the national expert in community development and retail economic development. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools, and human effort that position deserving towns as alluring locations for national businesses and destinations for tourism and quality-of-life amenities. We confidently pursue this mission by delivering unparalleled customer service as a unified team with unmatched real estate and community development expertise. Our activities pay a return in sales taxes, added jobs, and businesses that enhance and add to the unique qualities of your community.
