Birmingham to Host Weeklong Series of Events for Small Business Week 2026

The Birmingham Times

Birmingham will host a series of events May 3-9 as part of Small Business Week 2026, offering resources, workshops, and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Birmingham Small Business Week 2026, which coincides with the national observance, is designed to connect local business owners to the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to grow and scale.

Centered on the theme “Build Big: Elevate Your Vision. Empower Your Journey,” Birmingham Small Business Week will bring together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, lenders, corporate partners, and ecosystem builders to help strengthen Birmingham’s small-business landscape.

Hosted by the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, the weeklong lineup features programming for entrepreneurs at every stage.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Birmingham’s economy,” said Coreata’ R. Houser, Director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “This week is about more than celebration. It’s about creating real pathways for growth, ensuring our entrepreneurs have the resources, relationships, and support they need to succeed.”

Throughout the week, participants can attend a range of events, including:

SUNDAY, MAY 3 – Build Big. Live Well: Reset, Recharge & Rise: Start the week with a welcoming wellness experience focused on reset, reflection, and renewal for the business community. 12–3 p.m. | Railroad Park, 1600 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233

MONDAY, MAY 4 – Grounds for Conversation Powered by the Birmingham Business Alliance: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs over coffee and engage with BBA’s Small Business team, which supports growth in Birmingham. 7:30–9 a.m. | Toasted Yolk, 231 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35233

TUESDAY, MAY 5 – Small Business Intensive Open House Powered by the Birmingham Business Alliance: Learn about BBA’s Small Business Intensive, hear from past participants, and access tools and connections to support business growth. 5–8 p.m. | BBA Office, 2117 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 – Build Big. Scale Impact: Advancing Nonprofit Success: Join a conference experience focused on nonprofit growth, funding, and community impact. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | The Forum, 950 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 – Youth Pitch Competition: Support emerging young entrepreneurs as they present innovative ideas and solutions. 5–8 p.m. | The Forum, 950 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

THURSDAY, MAY 7 – BBA Luncheon: Build Big & Grow: Attend a dynamic luncheon featuring insights on branding, communication, and growth to elevate your business. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | The Florentine, 2101 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

THURSDAY, MAY 7 – Build Big: Leading, Lifting + Legacy (Women in Business): Celebrate women entrepreneurs, leadership, and lasting community impact in an engaging evening event. 5–8 p.m. | The Forum, 950 22nd St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

FRIDAY, MAY 8 – Build Big Business in Birmingham and Beyond: Participate in a high-impact conference focused on scaling, capital access, and sustainable business growth. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Innovation Depot, 1500 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

FRIDAY, MAY 8 – Founders & Networking Mixer Powered by Magic City Sips: Meet founders, partners, and leaders in an energetic networking environment. Small Business Week represents a coordinated investment in Birmingham’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing together public, private, and community partners to strengthen small business sustainability, expand access to capital, and drive long-term economic growth. 6–8:30 p.m. | Mayawell Tequila Bar, 2900 4th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233

“This is where vision meets execution,” said Monique Shorts, Senior Program Manager for the Office of Business Diversity & Opportunity. “We are creating intentional spaces where entrepreneurs can connect, access opportunities, and take meaningful steps to grow their businesses.”

Network Navigator expands programming

In addition to the city’s events, Network Navigator will present a series of programs during the same week.

Founded by Naila Jackson, Network Navigator Day launched in May 2024 as a single event. This year, the organization expands its efforts with Network Navigator Small Business Week, a slate of three events aimed at supporting Birmingham entrepreneurs.

“Birmingham is becoming a model for what small business ecosystem coordination can look like,” Jackson said. “We are not waiting for resources to come to our community. We are building the infrastructure that connects our community to resources.”

The week will begin Sunday, May 3, at 5 p.m. at The Fennec with the Network Navigator Small Business Awards, which will recognize local business leaders shaping the city’s economic future. Tickets are $50, with a portion of proceeds supporting the launch of the Navigator Startup Fund, which will provide early-stage financial assistance to individuals entering entrepreneurship after a layoff or other financial disruption.

On Tuesday, May 5, Network Navigator will partner with the Birmingham Public Library to launch the NavigateBHM Kiosk, an initiative designed to embed business resources within the city’s public library system.

On Wednesday, May 6, Network Navigator Day will return for its third year at the Auburn University Urban Studio in downtown Birmingham. With the theme “Tech Meets Main Street,” the free all-day summit will feature hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, industry roundtables and opportunities to connect directly with capital providers and technical assistance organizations.

A key component of this year’s event is Capital Connect, an initiative designed to address barriers to funding. The program will match entrepreneurs with capital providers for focused 10- to 15-minute sessions, offering real-time feedback on funding readiness, introductions to lending and investment opportunities and guidance on next steps.

“Everybody talks about funding. But what actually changes outcomes is access,” Jackson said. “Access to the right information, the right people and the right support at the right time.”

Full event schedule for Birmingham Small Business Week is available at ieo.birminghamal.gov/bhmup. To register for Network Navigator Day, visit networknavigatorday.com. Tickets for the awards event and additional information are available at navigatebhm.com.