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With three new members casting their first votes after being sworn into office, the Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved more than $1.2 million in funding to 12 neighborhood-based non-profits and for-profit businesses. The funding was part of the city’s BOLD program, Building Opportunities for Lasting Development, aimed at supporting organizations and agencies offering creative solutions for community challenges. “It’s truly inspiring to see our local organizations and small businesses driving growth and creating opportunity across Birmingham,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “By dedicating resources to these committed partners, we are investing directly into the heartbeat of our community, and ensuring a stronger, more prosperous future for every resident. Funding was allocated across five categories: Small businesses: provides resources to Birmingham entrepreneurs and small business owners who have been in operation in Birmingham for over two years, generating revenue of less than $400,000, to sustain or scale their businesses. Workforce development: implements a strategy for Birmingham residents to access good jobs through training, education, and job-readiness interventions that are directly connected to employer demand, with a focus on dismantling barriers that limit labor force participation. Eliminating barriers: promotes economic prosperity within the city of Birmingham (e.g., access to training, scholarships, transportation, healthcare, childcare, food access, housing, etc.) Creative placemaking: advances economic resilience, mobility, and inclusive growth in Birmingham’s neighborhoods High-Growth Industries: uses data-driven and innovative approaches to invest in Birmingham’s high-growth, high-demand industries (e.g., clean energy, construction, medical, technology, advanced manufacturing, etc.) The majority of awardees are neighborhood-based or focused. These projects collectively align with all BOLD objectives, showcasing a strong commitment to community development. Here are each of the organizations’ plans for moving forward along with award amounts: The Alabama Center for Employee Ownership will support small businesses in Birmingham, preserve quality jobs, and eliminate barriers to retirement for entrepreneurs, fostering wealth generation for workers. $93,055 Be Kind Birmingham will expand its mobile pop-up store to underserved communities in Birmingham by removing transportation barriers and partnering with libraries and local organizations to deliver essential resources. This effort will provide individuals with basic necessities, clothing, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and access to mental health services, promoting self-sufficiency and community empowerment. $71,450 Breakthrough Birmingham will provide one-on-one coaching and mentorship to first and second-year teachers. The program aims to enhance their knowledge and skills in culturally responsive and trauma-informed teaching, classroom management, time management, effective teaching strategies, and maintaining work/life balance. $110,000 Community on the Rise will empower women survivors who have experienced homelessness, provide jobs, launch a Rent-to-HOME pathway, and place recycled plastic products, created by the survivors, in ten retail stores. $75,740 CREED Foundation will expand support for historically underserved and small business owners through PACE, a 16-week business development curriculum. PACE closes critical gaps in financial literacy, credit readiness, legal compliance, and operational capacity through group instruction and one-on-one mentorship. $94,402.50 Forge Forward will conduct two 12-week accelerator programs using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to help established small business owners achieve early-stage profitability through operational and strategic growth. $142.502.40 Hope Inspired Ministries will empower unemployed and underemployed Birmingham residents with a holistic package of support, including life coaching, case management, transportation, assistance with obtaining a valid ID, and counseling. Participants will also earn industry-recognized credentials and complete internships with local employers. $115,008 HUB Worldwide will supply essential medical supplies and equipment to support five ARMS clinic locations and their mobile unit, serving uninsured and underinsured patients in priority neighborhoods. The initiative also includes quarterly trauma training for community members and clinic staff to enhance emergency response capacity in high-need areas. $73,887.62 Measured Access will launch Capital Innovation to eliminate barriers, enhance workforce development, and support small businesses. Its core programming includes angel investor training, entrepreneurship development for students and professionals, and a community-wide innovation summit. $121,000 Flourish Alabama will continue its efforts to transform Ensley into a vibrant arts district through public art, cultural programming, and community design. This includes training students, providing paid fellowships, and earning certifications. Flourish will reactivate vacant storefronts, support small businesses, and create jobs, while engaging community members through events and producing a feature-length documentary. $139,000 The Pulse Finders, LLC will support a community-centered emergency response training program aimed at improving cardiac arrest survival rates, reducing health disparities, and creating workforce development pathways. They will train individuals in Hands-Only CPR, Basic Life Support, Heartsaver CPR/AED, Opioid Overdose Response, and Stop the Bleed techniques. The initiative will also certify CPR instructors and engage volunteers. $83,240 United Ability will support the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Initiative, which focuses on fostering employer partnerships in manufacturing. The program has established pre-apprentice worksites that meet National Apprenticeship Standards, providing youth with disabilities with competitive and marketable skills. $108,000 “The BOLD funding program is more than just a grant,” said Coreata Houser, interim director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “It’s a foundational investment strategy.” Since the funding program began, it has distributed $5.4 million to 57 organizations. The council meeting was the first for new members Sonja Smith, Brian Gunn and Josh Vasa, who were sworn in on Tuesday. Wardine Alexander was elected council president, with Darrell O’Quinn handing the gavel back two years after he took it over from Alexander. LaTonya Tate was elected president pro tem after all nine members were sworn in. “Wardine is definitely experienced,” Smith said after the meeting. “I think she’s a great person to lead us new councillors.”
