Scaling Small Business: Celebrating Supplier Scale Cohort 2 Graduates

The transition from a startup to a thriving enterprise is marked by a dynamic mix of challenges and opportunities. Birmingham Business Alliance's Supplier Scale program is a complimentary six-month program designed to empower entrepreneurs to overcome hurdles and keep growing. Now in its second year, this program is created in partnership with Prosper and made possible by Jefferson County.

BBA partnered with Interise, a national not-for-profit with award-winning small business programs, to offer Supplier Scale. Led by industry experts and seasoned executives using Interise’s StreetWise ‘MBA’ curriculum, the program gives local small business owners the knowledge, know-how and networks needed for business growth and expansion.

Topics Covered:

  • Business development strategies

  • Strategic planning

  • Finance and financial management

  • Marketing/sales

  • Human resources

  • Accessing capital

  • Contracting with the government & major corporations

“These small businesses represent the backbone of our community. Their work spans across sectors and their efforts have an undeniable impact on improving our local economy. We commend their dedication and are proud that they call the Greater Birmingham Region home,” said Steve Ammons, President and CEO of Birmingham Business Alliance.

This second cohort represented a diverse group of 21 individuals across industries who completed the Supplier Scale program.

Supplier Scale Cohort 2 Graduates:

  1. Aisha Taylor - Bridge + Root

  2. Alisha Jiwani - Nia Health, PLLC; Nia Benefit Corporation

  3. Amber Jones - Life Key Financial Group, Incorporated

  4. Danielle Ridgeway - Covering Your Assets LLC

  5. Deborah Lumpkins - Diamond Trucking LLC

  6. DeMarcus Rodgers - Kuntri Kitchen

  7. Edward Everett - Likeminds, LLC; The Pixel Room, LLC

  8. Janette Hall - Nette's Growth Serum

  9. Jason Burroughs - C & B Transportation Systems, Inc

  10. Kendra Jenkins - The Computer Consulting Group, LLC

  11. Kendrick Russell - All Seasons Heating & Cooling LLC

  12. Kelli Caulfield - NOLA ICE BROAD ST

  13. Lovella Jones - Education Solutions

  14. Michael Gunn - ACE CDL School LLC/ Signature Express LLC

  15. Tavares Ward - New Metro Auto Service

  16. Teco & Tazmine Stephens - 3 Way Cleaning Company

  17. TJ Halsey - Oasis Senior Advisors Birmingham

  18. Tiffanie Reed - ARK WinGS Gym

  19. Vanessa Vargas - Latino News, LLC

  20. Wesley Samuels - Grindhouse

  21. Whitney Generette - Simone's Kitchen ATL

As we celebrate the accomplishments of our Supplier Scale program graduates, we extend our gratitude to the partners who have provided support and resources. These organizations have played a crucial role in making this year’s program a success:

“Supplier Scale isn’t just a program; it’s a community for small businesses in Birmingham.”
— JC Matthews, Director of Small Business

  • Alamerica Bank

  • Allison

  • Birmingham Airport Authority

  • Birmingham Business Resource Center

  • Community Bank

  • First Bank

  • Hope Credit Union

  • Smart Bank

"Supplier Scale isn't just a program; it's a community for small businesses in Birmingham,” said JC Matthews, director of BBA’s Supplier Scale program. “Through collaboration and education, we're equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to shape their own success stories.”