Birmingham small businesses and entrepreneurs now have a one-stop online tool to help them find the essential tools they need to succeed. The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) today announced the launch of its Network Navigator, an interactive website developed to help business owners navigate and understand local resources available to them. A revival of a previous tool launched by the organization, this new initiative is now paired with a full time staff member dedicated to manage and grow the support services BBA offers to local small businesses.
“Time is the most valuable resource for a business, and yet it is the hardest resource to come across when you are starting a business,” said Naila Jackson, director of BBA’s Network Navigator program. “Our goal is to improve visibility of the vast network of resources available for small business owners in our community and also curate the intentional connections needed to get entrepreneurs from idea to execution.”
“Time is the most valuable resource for a business, and yet it is the hardest resource to come across when you are starting a business.”
The Network Navigator hopes to function as the digital front door to Greater Birmingham Region’s business resource providers. Resource providers are any organization that plays a part in the lifecycle of a business. Whether it’s a bookkeeper or a business coach, contract or freelance, incubator or accelerator, the Network Navigator wants to make sure these resources are accessed by all who may need it. Business resource providers of all types are invited to sign up and create a profile on the Network Navigator website to get started in promoting their services.
The Network Navigator platform was made possible through support from the City of Birmingham’s BOLD Funding Program. It was designed with a particular emphasis on highlight legacy businesses and bringing visibility to small, minority and women-owned businesses across the region. Additional partners of the initiative include Prosper, Birmingham Business Resource Center, Urban Impact Inc., REV Birmingham, Innovation Depot and others.
“In order to support businesses that are either starting or expanding in our community, it is crucial for the municipality and its collaborators to develop valuable resources that not only aid their growth but also save them valuable time and money,” said Cornell Wesley, director of the Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity for the City of Birmingham. “This new navigator tool will provide a comprehensive web-based solution that effectively consolidates all the necessary resources for businesses to thrive in Birmingham.”
“This new navigator tool will provide a comprehensive web-based solution that effectively consolidates all the necessary resources for businesses to thrive in Birmingham.”
In the coming months, the Network Navigator team will be working to continuously add resources to the site. Website visitors are encouraged to make a profile to get started. For more information on how to get your company listed on the website, contact Naila Jackson by emailing njackson@birminghambusinessalliance.com or visit www.navigatebhm.com