Two Programs Boost Opportunities for Diverse, Small Businesses in Birmingham, Central Alabama

By: Alabama News Center Staff Two Birmingham-area organizations have announced new cohorts supporting small businesses and minority entrepreneurs. REV Birmingham announced the first round of Black business owners who will receive funding and professional services through its Magic City Match program, with support from Birmingham-based Prosper. And Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA), based in Fairfield, recently announced the launch of its fourth cohort of the Central Alabama Micro Business Accelerator. The program is designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in central Alabama with essential skills, resources and support to accelerate their business growth. “In our second year of Magic City Match, the response from applicants and the strong support we’ve garnered highlights the need for this program in the Birmingham small business ecosystem,” David Fleming, CEO and president of REV Birmingham, said in a news release. “We are excited and honored to be able to invest in these businesses to help more Black entrepreneurs realize their dreams.” Building on the success of the pilot Magic City Match in 2022, the program has been refined to support businesses at various stages of growth, offering grants and/or professional service funds, along with business coaching, real estate assistance and additional...