Network Navigator

What an honor and a pleasure it was to have a seat at the table and be a part of this conversation.

Looking forward to working with all of these amazing people to make the Birmingham small business ecosystem the best there is.

When intentionality and collaboration cross paths, there are endless possibilities. 💫

This time last week, we had just wrapped up our time with Dr. Shakenna Williams, Executive Director of the Babson Frank & Eileen Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership.

The colleague and friend of our President and CEO, Selena Rodgers Dickerson, is seeking ways to expand the institution’s entrepreneurship programming to the Magic City. As a business owner herself, our leader knows firsthand the importance of gaining knowledge from industry experts. She quickly jumped into action to connect Dr. Williams with leaders already paving the way here in Birmingham.

Our firm is so grateful to the City of Birmingham: Office of Business Diversity & Opportunity, Birmingham Business Alliance, Entrepreneurship Center, Synovus Bank , Network Navigator, and business owners for joining the discussion. It was a pleasure to host you all!

We can’t wait to see the future opportunities and growth that come from this new partnership and see how it will affect small businesses in our city!

Industry Spotlight: Healthcare + Pharmacy | Part One

From medical and specialty care to pharmacies and eye care, these businesses are helping care for our community while building businesses that strengthen our local economy.

And we’re just getting started. More healthcare specialties are coming in Part Two.

Know a Black-owned healthcare business we should have on our radar? Drop it in the comments.

In honor of National Black Business Month, join us for an intimate and timely conversation on The State of Black Business.

We’ll reflect on the legacy that built us, have an honest conversation about where Black businesses stand today, and explore how we can continue to support, strengthen, invest in, and create pathways for Black businesses to thrive for generations to come.

This is more than a conversation. It’s an opportunity to gather, learn, connect, and help shape what comes next.

A Night with Legacy: The State of Black Business
📅 Tuesday, August 18
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

Professional services keep businesses moving.

From HR and workforce support to legal, accounting and business services, Birmingham has Black-owned firms doing the work behind the work.

See someone you know? Tag them. Who are we missing? Drop them below.

Birmingham Public LibraryWe’re excited to kick off our Network Navigator x Birmingham Public Library series!

Join us for our first session:

📍 Central Library
📅 Tuesday, August 11, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:00 p.m.

Come learn how Network Navigator can connect business owners to valuable local resources, services, and support.

Registration is encouraged, and dinner will be provided to the first 25 registered participants.

Register through the BPL Event Calendar or email [email protected].

Connect. Learn. Grow.

Birmingham knows good food. And Black-owned businesses are a big part of what makes our food scene what it is. 💚

From restaurants and food trucks to bakers and caterers, there are plenty to support.

See your favorite? Tag them. Who are we missing? Drop them in the comments.

Entrepreneurs, here’s what’s happening in the ecosystem this week and throughout August.

We’ve pulled together events and opportunities we’re aware of that may be worth having on your radar. Some require registration or pre-registration, and a few may already be full or closed.

For more go to navigatebhm.com/events

Happy connecting! 💚

Black Business Month starts with Beauty + Wellness. 💚

Birmingham has so many Black-owned businesses helping us look good, feel good and take care of ourselves.

See your favorite? Tag them below.
Who are we missing? Drop a Black-owned beauty, aesthetics, wellness or self-care business in the comments so we can add them to our list.

🚨🚨DEADLINE APPROACHING!!!🚨🚨

Last day to apply for the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance Jefferson County micro business accelerator is TOMORROW!! Don’t miss your opportunity to grow your business connect with like-minded business owners and expand your opportunity network.

Apply Today!! caranow.org

This month, we recognize the entrepreneurs building businesses, creating jobs, serving their communities, and contributing to our economy every single day.

A thriving business ecosystem isn’t built through recognition alone. It’s built through relationships, referrals, opportunities, and intentional support.

This August, let’s be intentional about where we spend, who we recommend, and how we show up for Black-owned businesses in our communities.