Reviewed by: Grace Howard
3 local startups you need to know—including one that lets you rent a trailer
Reading time: 3 minutes
Birmingham is full of amazing entrepreneurs and leaders making big waves in the local business game. Read on for three Birmingham startups you should know about, plus some exciting developments aimed at supporting small businesses and startups.
1. TRAILR
Whether you need something to haul your big move or want to take the jet ski to the lake for the weekend—TRAILR is for you. This peer-to-peer platform lets hosts list their trailers and get connected to potential haulers.
Think Airbnb, but for trailers!
Hailing from Chelsea, founder Jacob Williams had the idea in June 2023, worked closely with Innovation Depot and other tech leaders around Birmingham to bring his idea to fruition and now, TRAILR is born.
“It’s been so helpful to have others, especially young entrepreneurs, who can see the vision. If didn’t have that, I don’t think TRAILR would have even been developed.”
Jacob Williams, Founder, TRAILR
2. OMA Health
When it comes to healthcare, every patient is different and requires personalized care. Unfortunately, some groups face disparities when it comes to getting necessary healthcare.
To address this issue, Khaylah Epps founded OMA Health, a health-tech platform that aims to improve access to quality care for Black women.
Inspired by the German name for grandmother, OMA pays tribute to the care historically given by Black grandmothers.
3. FireRock Building Materials
FireRock Building Materials provides high-quality materials for custom homes with a top-notch level of service and expertise.
While the company was founded with fireplaces as the center, they currently offer a wide range of products including:
- Wood flooring
- Pavers
- Slate + cedar roofing
- Steel doors + windows
Supported by Innovation Depot, FireRock was founded in 2004 by Jeff Stevens and continues to provide quality building materials for Birmingham locals and beyond.
Big news for Birmingham startups
Birmingham is a growing, supportive and inclusive community—but I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.
To add to this incredible community, other Bham companies have initiatives in the works to support local startups.
The recently unveiled Tech Row is a new workspace for gener8tor and Bronze Valley’s portfolio companies, as well as early-stage investors in downtown Birmingham.
Tech Row will provide programming and other services for gener8tor’s eight Alabama accelerator programs as well as support for founders relocating from other markets.
In addition, The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) announced the Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator.
This initiative exposes local small businesses to the community and provides them with technological assistance.
Check out more Birmingham startups:
- 3 Birmingham startups including a beach grocery delivery service
- Birmingham startups you need to know, like a unique childcare app
- Get to know 3 Birmingham startup companies—a lawn care service app + more
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