Small Business Week logo

Build Big:
Elevate your Vision.
Empower your Journey.

May 3-9, 2026

Six days of intentionally curated experiences, connections, and opportunities designed to help Birmingham’s small business community Build Big, expanding access, strengthening networks, and accelerating growth.

Photo of IEO team members and event attendees smiling on stage

About Small Business Week

Supporting
Birmingham's
Entrepreneurs

Small Business Week is Birmingham’s premier annual experience designed to equip, connect, and resource entrepreneurs at every stage of growth.

In today’s rapidly changing economy, small business owners are navigating access to capital, shifting markets, and increasing demands to scale sustainably. This week is created to meet that moment, bringing together the people, tools, and opportunities needed to move businesses forward with clarity and momentum.

Throughout the week, entrepreneurs will gain direct access to local and national leaders, funding resources, practical strategies, and real-time support designed to help them build, grow, and compete.

Every session is intentionally designed to deliver value, not just inspiration.

All events require registration. Capacity is limited, and select experiences will fill quickly. Secure your spot now.

May 3-9, 2026

Event
Schedule

All events are free to attend and require registration. Details and registration links will be updated as they are confirmed.

7

Days of Events

10+

Sessions & Workshops

100%

Free to Attend

BHM

The Magic City

Untitled design (3)

Competition

The Pitch
Competition

Do you have a business idea that can change Birmingham? The SBW Pitch Competition gives entrepreneurs a stage to present their vision to a panel of investors, business leaders, and city officials.

Whether you’re a startup founder or an established business owner with a bold new idea, this is your chance to compete, get feedback, and earn recognition — plus potential funding to help bring your vision to life.

APPLICATIONS OPEN

Coming Soon

COMPETITION DATE

TBA: May 3-9

WHO CAN APPLY

Birmingham-based businesses

PRIZE

TBA- Stay tuned

01

Create high-end town website

Elementor – The most advanced frontend drag & drop page builder. Create high-end, pixel perfect websites at record speeds. Any theme, any page, any design.

02

Wide plugins support

WooCommerce shop, Yoast SEO, W3 Total Cache, Contact Form 7, GiveWP and other well-known plugins are compatible with CityGov thanks to the use only official wp functions and standards.

03

Three Header Layouts

It is up to you! We included most popular header layouts and you can select the header layout that fits your needs in the admin panel.

04

Pre-Made blocks

We included most popular blocks (layouts) you can use now in Elementor. Combine unique layouts to create truly unique municipality site.

05

SEO Optimized

The theme is developed with the best practices and SEO in mind. The theme is fully compatible with plugins like Yoast SEO to boost your Google ranking!

06

Powerful admin options

With powerful admin options panel you can customize colors, fonts, styles, backgrounds of your sitewith a click of a button. It’s that simple!

07

Lifetime Updates

You have lifetime access to all the future updates with single, one-time purchase.

08

Valid Code

Solid and experienced coding, best practices used, well tested! You’ll get safe and secure product.

09

Translation Ready

Sroller theme comes with .pot file necessary for translating every theme label or element on the site to you language.

10

Modular Theme

Features & elements from can be combined! Import theme you want and use Drag & Drop Builder to create own magazine.

11

Content Management

CityGov theme is compatible with latest WordPress and Gutenberg editor. Take advance of the native WordPress functions and features to manage your content easily.

12

Donations and Fundraising

CityGov theme is compatible with GiveWp plugin. GiveWP is the highest rated best supported donation plugin for WordPress. GiveWP provides  a powerful donation platform optimized for online giving.

Stay In The Loop

Thank You

Our Sponsors &
Partners

Small Business Week is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, vendors, and community partners. Thank you for investing in Birmingham’s small business ecosystem.

Interested in sponsoring or vending at Small Business Week 2026?
Contact
Nathalie@civitasconsulting.group

Past Events

SBW Through
The Years

Get to Know
the Team

Small Business Week is brought to you by the dedicated team at the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. We’re committed year-round to making Birmingham a city where every entrepreneur can thrive.

 
Coreata-Houser headshot

Coreata’ Houser

Director

Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity
Monique-Shorts Headshot

Monique M. Shorts

Senior Program Manager

Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity

Dorothy-George Headshot

Dorothy A. George

Small Business Relationship Coordinator

Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity

Small Business Week
is Just The Beginning

IEO works year-round to support Birmingham’s small business owners — from funding and licensing to workforce development and beyond. Small Business Week is one of the many ways we show up for our community.