The City of Birmingham has awarded more than $850,000 to eight area organizations to improve Birmingham’s economic landscape.
The grants are part of the Building Opportunities for Lasting Development, or BOLD, program.
“I am thrilled to continue to support our local organizations and small businesses who work diligently to support our residents with innovative programming and resources,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “An investment in these outstanding groups is an investment in the future of Birmingham.”
Here’s who received the grants:
- Birmingham Business Alliance will create a digital network of resource partners and dedicated professionals to provide support to the city’s Legacy Business Program. A legacy business is one that has been in operation for a minimum of 25 continuous years within the city of Birmingham and employs typically less than 20 employees. Legacy businesses have contributed to the historic and cultural fabric of Birmingham. $110,000
- Birthwell Partners will train new doulas and employ doulas on a contract basis to provide birth doula services to low resource families from across Birmingham. Doula services provide informational, physical and emotional support to clients before, during and after childbirth. $121,806
- Diane’s Heart will provide a support system and access to financial resources for single mothers in Birmingham. The program will include professional coaching, guidance on setting goals and educational assistance. $98,450
- East Lake Initiative will provide micro-grants of up to $1,000 to prospective small business owners to start in-home businesses through Thrive Together (a collaboration between ELI and Serving You Ministries) and Birmingham Community Incubator. The effort will include a six-week business boot camp in collaboration with Salvation Army and Community Resource Development. $84,250
- Is-Able Ministries will provide employment and job readiness services, social engagement, support groups for those dealing with depression or grief and training in life skills and health and wellness for individuals with disabilities. $75,000
- Rebirth Community Corporation will support small businesses with business development, mental health support and direct services through the provision of wellness assessments and emotional and economic action plans, group mental health sessions, group business development workshops. Direct services may also be provided through stipends and grants. $148,500
- Tech Alabama, doing business as Education Farm, will provide IT workforce training for underemployed adults and youth and ensure they have the tools and coaching they need to be successful. $135,200
- The Surge Project will provide workforce development for adults ages 18-35 to aid in the reduction of gun violence through a nine-week soft skills training program. Through a partnership with the National Training Institute for Healthcare Technicians, 40 individuals will have an opportunity to become certified healthcare professionals. $80,800.00
