The Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence (EC) officially launched in Birmingham on February 12, 2026, offering a new resource for small-business owners across the city. The center aims to connect entrepreneurs with tools, guidance, and opportunities that drive measurable business growth.
Supporting Birmingham’s Entrepreneurs
Funded by the City of Birmingham’s Reinvest Birmingham initiative, Regions Bank, Kresge Foundation, Mastercard, and Prosper Birmingham, the EC combines real-world data with hands-on experience. Executive Director Kendra Key emphasizes that the EC helps entrepreneurs connect with resources and develop strategies to grow their businesses.
Four Core Goals of the EC
The EC focuses on:
Acting as a front door for entrepreneurs seeking guidance on successful small-business ownership.
Driving strategies that increase growth for locally owned businesses.
Convening the small-business ecosystem, including advisors, support organizations, and strategists.
Connecting entrepreneurs with each other to share best practices and identify collaborative growth opportunities.
Building Connections and Filling Gaps
The EC also identifies gaps in the business ecosystem and recruits programs to address them. By conducting behind-the-scenes “systems work,” the center improves efficiency, communication, and support for local businesses. This work ensures meaningful, measurable results for the Magic City’s entrepreneurial community.
Business owners and resource providers can engage with the EC by visiting www.ecbham.com and completing the linked survey. For more information, contact [email protected].
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