The City of Birmingham has invested more than $1.2 million in twelve local organizations to advance community-based projects aimed at strengthening the city’s economy and quality of life.
About the BOLD Program
The BOLD (Building Opportunities for Lasting Development) initiative provides funding to organizations developing creative, evidence-based solutions to Birmingham’s most pressing social and economic challenges. Now in its eighth year, the program is managed by the city’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity.
According to the department, BOLD represents a long-term strategy for community investment, focusing on projects that foster inclusive economic growth across all 99 neighborhoods.
Funding Focus Areas
This round of BOLD grants supports work across five major categories:
Small business growth – Expanding resources for local entrepreneurs and small business owners earning under $400,000 annually.
Workforce development – Creating training, education, and job-readiness programs connected directly to employer demand.
Eliminating barriers – Promoting equitable access to essentials such as transportation, childcare, healthcare, food, and housing.
Creative placemaking – Revitalizing neighborhoods through art, culture, and community-based design.
High-growth industries – Investing in sectors like clean energy, technology, construction, medical fields, and advanced manufacturing.
Organizations Receiving Funding
Twelve organizations were selected for their innovative approaches to improving Birmingham’s economic landscape and community well-being:
Alabama Center for Employee Ownership will help small businesses sustain local jobs and promote employee ownership. ($93,055)
Be Kind Birmingham will expand its mobile pop-up stores into underserved neighborhoods, offering essential goods and mental health support. ($71,450)
Breakthrough Birmingham will mentor new teachers through one-on-one coaching focused on effective, culturally responsive teaching. ($110,000)
Community on the Rise will employ and empower women overcoming homelessness, expanding its Rent-to-Home pathway and retail partnerships. ($75,740)
CREED Foundation will continue its PACE business development program, supporting underserved entrepreneurs through mentorship and financial training. ($94,402.50)
Forge Forward will run two accelerator cohorts to help small business owners achieve early-stage profitability. ($142,502.40)
Hope Inspired Ministries will provide job readiness, transportation, and counseling to help unemployed residents secure sustainable careers. ($115,008)
HUB Worldwide will deliver medical supplies and trauma training to clinics serving uninsured and underinsured patients. ($73,887.62)
Measured Access will launch Capital Innovation, supporting entrepreneurs through angel investor training and an innovation summit. ($121,000)
Flourish Alabama will continue developing the Ensley Arts District with public art, cultural events, and small business support. ($139,000)
The Pulse Finders, LLC will expand its emergency response training programs to improve cardiac arrest survival rates and workforce skills. ($83,240)
United Ability will enhance its Pre-Apprenticeship Training Initiative, connecting youth with disabilities to manufacturing careers. ($108,000)
Continued Impact
Since its creation, the BOLD program has distributed $5.4 million to 57 organizations, reinforcing Birmingham’s commitment to long-term economic resilience. Funding recipients are required to submit performance updates throughout the grant period to ensure transparency and measurable results.
More information about the BOLD program and its ongoing projects is available at ieo.birminghamal.gov/bold
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