Economic Development
Growing Birmingham’s Economy — Strategically
The Birmingham Business Alliance leads economic development efforts across the region, working to attract new companies, support existing businesses, and strengthen long-term growth throughout Greater Birmingham.
Since 2018, the BBA has announced 222 projects, resulting in 13,340 jobs and nearly $5B in capital investment.
Recruiting New Investment
The Greater Birmingham Region is a unified network of organizations across seven central Alabama counties, working together to strengthen economic development, talent recruitment and tourism. Each partner has long championed strategic growth in the places we live, work and play.
Here, we do business with our neighbors—and so do global companies like Kratos, Amazon and Mercedes-Benz. Our region is home to 100+ foreign-based companies representing 20+ countries.
We’re ready to do business with you, too.
Notable Employers
Our Target Industries
BBA’s economic development efforts are centered around industries that drive economic impact across the region. By supporting these sectors, we help create stability, attract investment, and build momentum for future growth.
Advanced Manufacturing
Automotive
Life Sciences
Metals
Food & Beverage
Technology
Business Services
Logisitics
Logistical Advantages
Five Interstates
Five major interstate corridors intersect in Birmingham, connecting the region to key Southeast markets and 78% of the U.S. population within a two-day drive. Routes including I-20/59, I-65, and I-22 provide direct access to Atlanta, Nashville, Memphis, and the Gulf Coast —placing many major markets within a single driver shift.
Ports
The Birmingham Inland Port (“Birmingport) provides multimodal logistics connecting barge, rail, and truck transport. Just 20 miles from downtown Birmingham, it offers direct access to the Gulf Coast’s deepwater ports and global markets via inland waterways and major freight corridors.
International Airport
The airport offers 20 nonstop destinations nationwide and is located just 8 minutes from downtown. The region’s efficient travel experience includes a 21.5-minute average metro commute and TSA wait times averaging about 16 minutes.
Power Availability
Alabama Power delivers electricity to 1.5 million customers through 8,000 miles of transmission lines with more than 99% service reliability.
Rail
Three Class I railroads-Norfolk Southern, BNSF, and CSX—offering direct freight connectivity across the Southeast, Midwest, and East Coast and linking regional industries to national and international markets.
Buying Power
The Greater Birmingham Region’s cost of living remains one of the most competitive in the U.S. Southeast.
90.8% of the National Average
Supporting Business Expansion
Growth doesn’t stop after a company arrives. The Birmingham Business Alliance works with existing businesses to address challenges and connect them with the resources they need to succeed and expand in Greater Birmingham. From helping companies pursue expansion incentives to connecting them with local municipalities, workforce development opportunities, and valuable supplier and customer relationships, our team provides practical support every step of the way. And when business leaders aren’t sure where to start, they know they have someone they can call to help connect them with the right people and resources.
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Strengthening the Regional Economy
Our work focuses on building a resilient, competitive economy that supports job creation and long-term success. Through strategic partnerships and alignment with regional priorities, we help position Greater Birmingham for continued growth and ensure the region remains a strong place to do business.
Notable Announced Projects
We work with local leaders, site selectors and growing companies to attract investment, support job creation and strengthen key industries across the Birmingham region.
The J.M. Smucker Company
In 2021, the company announced a $1.1B project to be able to produce Uncrustables in the region, creating 800 job opportunities.
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions
In July of 2022, the company announced a $34.6M project that will create up to 26 new aerospace and engineering jobs with an average annual salary of $95,000.
Kroger
In March of 2022, BBA assisted national grocery retailer Kroger with the expansion of its distribution and delivery services to the Birmingham market, announcing 161 new jobs.
Tquila Automation
In 2023, Welsh-founded company Tquila Automation expanded its operations to the region, adding 200 tech jobs.
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
In June of 2024, the company announced a $330M HQ expansion project that will create up to 50 new job opportunities and retain more than 750 jobs.
Partnering for Growth
Whether you’re considering Birmingham for a new location or expanding your current operations, the Birmingham Business Alliance provides the insight, connections, and support to help you move forward.
Business Attraction
