NEW: Introducing the JeffCo Micro Business Accelerator — a catalyst for small businesses

The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) has announced a catapult for small businesses: the Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is CARA?

CARA specializes in the success of small businesses and gives entrepreneurship a leg-up in the community.

Beginning in 2015 as a small business volunteer effort, CARA had a vision to empower local ventures. With this vision came ideas of support and sustainability for Birmingham companies.

“We want to increase the capacity for economic development in communities by supporting small businesses. That’s our mission.”

Jeremy Duckworth, Co-founder, Micro Business Accelerator

CARA has expanded to reach all businesses statewide. They assist in a multitude of projects such as disaster relief, small business trainings and partner interests.

“I think for us, the thing that we’re looking at is the increased new revenue for small businesses that are part of our program. The second thing we’re looking to do is increase the job growth for small businesses that are part of our program. And the third component that we’re looking to do is increase new capital investment, other small businesses part of our program.”

Jeremy Duckworth, Co-founder, Micro Business Accelerator

Removing economic barriers

This month, CARA has introduced a new game-changer to entrepreneurship: the Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator. This initiative propels businesses to a greater outreach by exposing them to the community and providing them with technological assistance.

They offer many tools to assist with success:

• Increase revenue: Personalized support + resources such as business coaching and strategic planning sessions
• Job creation: Insights into effective hiring practices and workforce strategies
• Investment opportunities: Connections with potential investors and funding sources

Want to get in on this action?

This is truly an amazing opportunity. The application to join this initiative opens on June 3rd and closes July 26th.

In order to apply, applicants must:

• Be active members of a local Chamber of Commerce
• Have been in business for at least 36 months
• Employ 10 or fewer individuals

Click here for the application.

Do you have a small business? Let us know all about it by tagging us @bhamnow.