How to celebrate Small Business Week—special events, speakers + more

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Birmingham’s small businesses are doing a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to making the Magic City such a vibrant place to live, work and play. And now, it’s our time to celebrate them and help them grow even more.

Small Business Week is May 3–9, and it’s packed with events, networking and community connection, along with many ways for small business owners to plug into resources and support.

Here’s a look at what the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) along with the City of Birmingham has planned, plus a few local small businesses you’ll want to know about.

How the BBA is showing up for Birmingham businesses

Did you know the BBA plays a big role in growing the Greater Birmingham economy? If you’re a small business owner, here’s what that support can look like:

• Access to capital + funding resources
• Workforce + hiring support
• Business development programs
• Mentorship + strategic guidance
• Networking opportunities
• Advocacy for a stronger local business climate

At the end of the day, it’s all about helping you grow your business while strengthening Birmingham as a whole. Small Business Week is one of the biggest ways to plug into these resources and connections.

You can learn more about the BBA’s small business programs here.

Mark your calendar: Small Business Week is May 3–9, 2026

There are lots of great ways to celebrate Small Business Week in the Magic City, including a special event with Justin Guarini and Kim Walsh Phillips, (Birmingham Business Alliance)

This year, the theme for Small Business Week is “Build Big: Elevate Your Vision, Empower Your Journey.” And honestly, it fits. In partnership with the City of Birmingham and the BBA, the week is all about connecting entrepreneurs to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to grow—bringing together business owners, lenders, nonprofit leaders, and more. Beyond celebration, the experience moves into execution in an effort to strengthen Birmingham’s small-business ecosystem.

During this dedicated week, you can expect a mix of networking, hands-on learning, inspiring conversations, and real talk about what it takes to build and grow a business in Birmingham right now. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been at it for years, there’s something for you to take part in and take away with you.

Ways to plug into Small Business Week

You’re never far from your next connection in the Magic City. (Birmingham Business Alliance)

What are some ways you can show up, learn and connect with others across the Magic City during Small Business Week?

Here’s what the BBA and the City of Birmingham have planned, May 3–9:

Monday, 5/4: Grounds for Conversation

• What: Ease into the week at this casual, no-pressure networking event. Meet fellow entrepreneurs from Birmingham’s small business community over free coffee—the BBA’s buying!
• When: Mon, May 4 | 7:30–9AM
• Where: The Toasted Yolk Cafe
• Cost: Free
• Details

Tuesday, 5/5: Small Business Intensive Open House

• What: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the BBA’s Small Business Intensive program during this interactive open house. Whether you’re working on refining your business strategy or just want a fresh perspective, this is your chance to learn alongside others through breakout sessions, peer mentoring and collaborative discussions.
• When: Tues, May 5 | 5:30–8PM
• Where: Birmingham Business Alliance
• Cost: Free
• Details

Wednesday, 5/6: Build Big. Scale Impact: Advancing Nonprofit Success

• What: At this event hosted by the City of Birmingham, you’ll learn how to advance nonprofit success across Birmingham at this conference focused on nonprofit growth, funding and community impact.
• When: Wed, May 6 | 10AM–3PM
• Where: The Forum
• Details

Thursday, 5/7: Quarterly Luncheon: Build Big + Grow

• What: This signature Small Business Week luncheon features keynote speakers Justin Guarini, “American Idol” singer, actor and television host, and Kim Walsh Phillips, founder of Powerful Professionals, a business coaching and education company. They’ll dive into storytelling, marketing and how entrepreneurs can turn their message into momentum.
• When: Thurs, May 7 | 11:30AM–1PM
• Where: The Florentine
• Cost: BBA Members $35 | Non-Members $55
• Details

Thursday, 5/7: Build Big: Leading, Lifting + Legacy (Women in Business)

• What: Hosted by the City of Birmingham, this small business week event celebrates women entrepreneurs, leadership + lasting community impact at this engaging event at The Forum.
• When: Thurs, May 7 | 5–8PM
• Where: The Forum
• Details

Friday, 5/8: Chat & Chew

• What: BBA’s Small Business Week wraps on May 8 with this invite-only experience. This intimate lunch brings attendees face-to-face with speakers Justin Guarini and Kim Walsh for real conversation, feedback and mentorship. *Private invitation only.
• When: Fri, May 8 | 9–11AM
• Cost: Free
• Details

Friday, 5/8: Build Big Business in Birmingham and Beyond

• What: Hosted by the City of Birmingham, this high-impact conference focuses on scaling, capital access + sustainable business growth.
• When: Fri, May 8 | 10AM–3PM
• Where: Innovation Depot
• Details

Local businesses making an impact across Birmingham

Small Business Week isn’t just about growing your own business, it’s also a time to uplift the local businesses that help shape the city economically, culturally and creatively.

Here are some of the small businesses the BBA partners with and supports across the region:

• Cookie Plug: This shop has built a strong local following by turning cookie time into a fun, over-the-top experience with big flavors. Known for its graffiti-themed bakery, their ultra-thick cookies stand out for being part cake, part brownie and part cookie all baked into one. Bonus: They deliver!

• Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn: Known for their sweet-and-savory kettle corn, this local favorite somehow disappears before you realize you’ve eaten the whole bag (tip: always get the bigger one!). You’ll spot the Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn team at markets, pop-ups and community events across Birmingham, and once you try it, you’ll get why it never lasts long.

• Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market: A respected Birmingham entrepreneur, Dorothy McDaniel turned her passion for fresh-cut flower arranging into a business she truly loved. In 1977 (almost 50 years ago!), she opened Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market in a tiny 12×12-foot shop in Homewood and grew it into a long-standing staple (and currently much bigger space) in the Greater Birmingham community.

• Total on 1st: Helping Birmingham locals look and feel their best, this dermatology-focused wellness spa is part of a growing movement in the city centered on long-term health, care and overall well-being.

• Woodlawn Theatre: This community art space brings history, storytelling, performance and creativity to life. By giving local creatives a place to shine, they play an important role in supporting Birmingham’s arts scene. 

Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur or just love seeing Birmingham thrive, Small Business Week is one of those moments worth showing up for.

To learn more about the Birmingham Business Alliance and how they’re supporting small businesses across the region, visit their website now.

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