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The Western Micro Business Accelerator is here to make micro-businesses mighty
One thing Birmingham isn’t short on is small businesses. We have everything you could imagine from printing companies to boutiques and salons. So, how do these businesses become and stay successful? Well, the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) joined forces with other local organizations to teach the tricks of the trade through the Western Micro Business Accelerator.
Western Micro Business Accelerator
The Western Micro Business Accelerator’s purpose is to help develop businesses. Lessons will include how to create balance sheets, hire a marketing firm, standardize business practices and much more. These sessions will help business owners learn how to grow their businesses and become economically stable.
Sessions are led by current industry pros, will include peer mentoring from past participants and coaching from seasoned executives. The program will be held from September 2021-May 2022. At the end of the program, each business will be given a certificate from The University of Alabama and Auburn University.
“Every aspect of the program is focused on increasing profitability, increasing jobs and increasing new capital investment.”
Lisa McKinney, UA Lift and Western Micro Business Accelerator Co-founder
Other partners include
- University of Alabama LIFT
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Auburn University
- Regions Foundation
- Bessemer Industrial Development Board
- Five Points West Chamber of Commerce
Past participants
Some of your faves are past successes of the Western Micro Business Accelerator. The lessons throughout the program allowed them to expand their business and achieve more than ever.
- Naughty but Nice Kettle Corn has grown 202% since last year’s program
- Refresh Clothing 2 has begun franchising.
- Smith and Associates Enterprises secured a contract with FedEx.
Interested in joining?
You’re in luck if you meet the following criteria:
- The company must have been in operation for at least three years
- Also, the company must have filed taxes from the previous year.
- The business owner must be able to attend all skill shops and business improvement team meetings.
- There must be a clear display of the company’s philanthropy in the community.
If a company meets these criteria, the owner can apply. To apply, the business owner must submit an essay or video application. For that extra leg up, send a video and showing off personality and excitement. After submission, a selection committee of local business leaders will make the final participant selections.
Know a business that would benefit from this program? Tag them @BhamNow
