The City of Birmingham is dedicated to supporting local businesses with efficient, user-friendly services.
Business eServices
Business Diversity & Opportunity
The Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity (OBDO) is committed to making Birmingham a premier destination for women and minority entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. By fostering place-based development, we focus on driving small business growth, sparking neighborhood investment, and ensuring that economic development in Birmingham is inclusive and equitable.
Our efforts champion the vital role of small businesses in Birmingham’s economic landscape, providing the tools, resources, and connections necessary for success. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing enterprise, OBDO is here to support your journey and contribute to Birmingham’s vibrant, diverse, and thriving business community.
View our Strategic Plan.
The Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity (OBDO) is committed to making Birmingham a premier destination for women and minority entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. By fostering place-based development, we focus on driving small business growth, sparking neighborhood investment, and ensuring that economic development in Birmingham is inclusive and equitable.
Our efforts champion the vital role of small businesses in Birmingham’s economic landscape, providing the tools, resources, and connections necessary for success. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing enterprise, OBDO is here to support your journey and contribute to Birmingham’s vibrant, diverse, and thriving business community.
View our Strategic Plan.
The Tax and License Administration Division ensures compliance with all license and tax requirements in accordance with the City of Birmingham’s Tax Ordinances. The division also collects license fees and other revenues essential for the city’s operations.
Office Hours and Location:
- Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Location: Room TL-100, First Floor, City Hall, 710 North 20th Street, Birmingham, AL 35203
For more details or to access the online tax management system, visit the Tax and License Division page.
Business Licenses
Birmingham’s Online Business License Portal provides 24-hour access to applications, renewals, and payments. This portal saves business owners time and provides a cohesive way to keep track of their business license requirements.
Tax Management
Through the online tax management system, businesses can easily file returns, make payments, and update accounts for various taxes, including Franchise, Diesel, Lease/Rental, Liquor, Lodging, Occupational, Sales, and Use Tax.
New Business License Applications:
- Non-controlled licenses are accepted daily during office hours.
- Controlled licenses (e.g., alcoholic beverage, pool table, dance licenses) require an appointment.
Other E-Services
The City of Birmingham eServices platform provides small business owners with convenient access to essential online resources and tools. From filing and applying for business licenses to managing taxes and permits, the eServices page streamlines critical processes for entrepreneurs. Features include:
- Business License Filing: Apply for or renew business licenses online.
- Online Tax Filing System: Submit sales, use, lodging, alcohol, and other tax forms.
- GIS Mapping: Access Birmingham's online mapping system for property and zoning information.
- Vendor Applications: Apply for food truck permits and distribute charitable goods.
- Planning & Engineering Payments: Pay for permits related to construction and development projects.
- Special Assessments & Land Bank Authority Resources: Access unique tools for property development and special assessments.
- Traffic Fine & Landfill Payments: Settle fines and fees with ease.
- Fillable Tax & License Forms: Download and complete PDFs for various tax filings and updates.
The City of Birmingham is dedicated to supporting local businesses with efficient, user-friendly services.
Access to Capital
We connect entrepreneurs with financial resources, including grants, loans, and funding opportunities, to support the launch, growth, and sustainability of their businesses. Explore options tailored to women, minority, and disadvantaged business owners to help you achieve your goals.
Birmingham Business Development Loan
Birmingham Business Development Loan
The City of Birmingham proudly funds the Birmingham Business Development Loan Program to support local economic growth and revitalization. This program offers bank-guaranteed loans ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 at current market rates for up to 24 months.
- Loans must be backed by a Direct Pay, Irrevocable Letter of Credit
- All associated expenses, including a 1% origination fee, are the responsibility of the borrower.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible projects must positively impact Birmingham’s economy and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Create new jobs.
- Retain existing jobs.
- Renovate or repurpose blighted, vacant, or underutilized properties for commercial or residential use.
- Generate jobs or tax revenue through new construction or business development.
- Preserve historic structures while boosting jobs or tax revenue.
- Diversify the City’s economic base.
To begin the application process:
Contact one of the program’s originating member organizations:
REV Birmingham
David Fleming
1721 4th Avenue North, Suite 102
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-623-0620
www.revbirmingham.org
Urban Impact
Carla Youngblood
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-820-9313
Email: cyoungblood@urbanimpactbirmingham.org
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Business Resources
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Business Resources
Facade Improvement Program
The purpose of the Facade Improvement Program is to provide forgivable loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses in the City of Birmingham to encourage and assist with property revitalization efforts. The goal of the program is to restore and improve the appearance of the facades of blighted and/or dilapidated buildings and to preserve the historic character of Birmingham neighborhoods. Research has proven that investing in facade improvements is beneficial to the City as a whole. Improvements to commercial facades serves as a catalyst to revitalization efforts, encourages property reinvestment, attracts new businesses to the City, and increases property values.
Small Business Loan
A typical economic development program for CDBG-DR grantees is a small business loan or grant program. A small business loan or grant program provides low- or no-cost loans to small businesses that have been impacted by the disaster, or are part of a targeted industry for future growth. The goal is to create and retain jobs for the community by stabilizing weakened businesses, encouraging business owners to re-open or expand their business, and attracting entrepreneurs for growth potential.
Retention Incentives for Success and Expansion (RISE)
Retention Incentives for Success and Expansion (RISE)
The Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity (OBDO), under Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, proudly supports RISE, an innovative initiative designed to foster the growth and sustainability of Birmingham-based businesses. RISE, which stands for Retention Incentives for Success and Expansion, establishes two dedicated funds to provide vital resources for local businesses, ensuring their long-term success and contribution to Birmingham’s economy.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)
The City of Birmingham also partners with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) to provide access to capital for small businesses. You can find more information about our partners below:
City Procurement, Bidding Opportunities, and Vendor Registration
City Procurement, Bidding Opportunities, and Vendor Registration
Learn how to do business with the City of Birmingham. We provide guidance on navigating the procurement process, becoming a registered vendor, and accessing opportunities to supply goods and services to city departments.
The City of Birmingham is committed to fostering equitable access to procurement and contracting opportunities for businesses of all sizes. If you’d like to have your business included on the City’s bid list, you can get started by completing the necessary vendor registration forms.
Additionally, businesses must meet compliance requirements, including participating in E-Verify, a system that confirms employment eligibility. Download the E-Verify PDF for more information. For full transparency, businesses are also required to complete and submit the Transparency and Affidavits Forms with Instructions (PDF).
Being listed as a vendor with the City of Birmingham opens the door to a variety of bidding opportunities and positions your business to contribute to the city’s dynamic and diverse economy. Visit the Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity’s webpage for more details and access to all required forms.
Valuing Inclusion to Accelerate and Lift (VITAL)
Valuing Inclusion to Accelerate and Lift (VITAL)
VITAL is an inclusive procurement program that encourages the use of historically underutilized businesses. Watch the video to learn more, then connect to our online registration, vendor workshops, and contract opportunities!
The City of Birmingham’s VITAL initiative underscores its commitment to building an inclusive economy by promoting transparency and increasing opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. Launched in 2019 by Mayor Randall L. Woodfin, VITAL collects and reports on the city’s diverse spending data to establish a baseline for progress.
The initial report revealed that from July 2019 to June 2020, 10% of the city’s $24.3 million procurement spending supported 1,267 minority- and women-owned businesses. This effort includes improving vendor registration, creating a database of underrepresented businesses, and fostering entrepreneurship through programs and resources.
Through efforts like the Inclusive Procurement Council, vendor registration enhancements, and annual Opportunity Guides, VITAL fosters entrepreneurship and strengthens Birmingham’s regional economy. Join this call to action and help build an inclusive economy. For more information, contact Victor Brown at the Birmingham Business Alliance at (205) 241-8109.
Birmingham Business Development Loan
The City of Birmingham proudly funds the Birmingham Business Development Loan Program to support local economic growth and revitalization. This program offers bank-guaranteed loans ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 at current market rates for up to 24 months.
- Loans must be backed by a Direct Pay, Irrevocable Letter of Credit
- All associated expenses, including a 1% origination fee, are the responsibility of the borrower.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible projects must positively impact Birmingham’s economy and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Create new jobs.
- Retain existing jobs.
- Renovate or repurpose blighted, vacant, or underutilized properties for commercial or residential use.
- Generate jobs or tax revenue through new construction or business development.
- Preserve historic structures while boosting jobs or tax revenue.
- Diversify the City’s economic base.
To begin the application process:
Contact one of the program’s originating member organizations:
REV Birmingham
David Fleming
1721 4th Avenue North, Suite 102
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-623-0620
www.revbirmingham.org
Urban Impact
Carla Youngblood
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-820-9313
Email: cyoungblood@urbanimpactbirmingham.org
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Business Resources
Facade Improvement Program
The purpose of the Facade Improvement Program is to provide forgivable loans of up to $50,000 to small businesses in the City of Birmingham to encourage and assist with property revitalization efforts. The goal of the program is to restore and improve the appearance of the facades of blighted and/or dilapidated buildings and to preserve the historic character of Birmingham neighborhoods. Research has proven that investing in facade improvements is beneficial to the City as a whole. Improvements to commercial facades serves as a catalyst to revitalization efforts, encourages property reinvestment, attracts new businesses to the City, and increases property values.
Small Business Loan
A typical economic development program for CDBG-DR grantees is a small business loan or grant program. A small business loan or grant program provides low- or no-cost loans to small businesses that have been impacted by the disaster, or are part of a targeted industry for future growth. The goal is to create and retain jobs for the community by stabilizing weakened businesses, encouraging business owners to re-open or expand their business, and attracting entrepreneurs for growth potential.
Retention Incentives for Success and Expansion (RISE)
The Office of Business Diversity and Opportunity (OBDO), under Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, proudly supports RISE, an innovative initiative designed to foster the growth and sustainability of Birmingham-based businesses. RISE, which stands for Retention Incentives for Success and Expansion, establishes two dedicated funds to provide vital resources for local businesses, ensuring their long-term success and contribution to Birmingham’s economy.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI)
The City of Birmingham also partners with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) to provide access to capital for small businesses. You can find more information about our partners below:
City Procurement, Bidding Opportunities, and Vendor Registration
Learn how to do business with the City of Birmingham. We provide guidance on navigating the procurement process, becoming a registered vendor, and accessing opportunities to supply goods and services to city departments.
The City of Birmingham is committed to fostering equitable access to procurement and contracting opportunities for businesses of all sizes. If you’d like to have your business included on the City’s bid list, you can get started by completing the necessary vendor registration forms.
Valuing Inclusion to Accelerate and Lift (VITAL)
VITAL is an inclusive procurement program that encourages the use of historically underutilized businesses. Watch the video to learn more, then connect to our online registration, vendor workshops, and contract opportunities!
Discover initiatives designed to empower small businesses and promote equitable growth in Birmingham.
Programs
Our programs focus on skill development, networking, and tailored support to meet the unique needs of entrepreneurs.
Small Business Week
Brings together national & local business leaders, government officials, & stakeholders to celebrate entrepreneurship and small businesses with an exciting series of events and programs
Legacy Business
A strategic initiative designed to support, protect, & promote businesses that have been integral to the cultural & economic fabric of the city for decades
Access a wide range of tools, workshops, and support services to help your business succeed.
Small Business Resources
From legal guidance to marketing strategies, our resources are designed to equip you with everything you need to thrive.
Network Navigator
Network Navigator
The Network Navigator is your guide to small business resources available to Birmingham area entrepreneurs. This resource connects small business owners to a wealth of opportunities designed to support growth and success at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re seeking funding, coworking spaces, technical assistance, or small business workshops, the Network Navigator helps you access the tools you need. Additionally, it links you to a dynamic community of peers, mentors, and ecosystem partners dedicated to fostering a thriving and inclusive business environment in Birmingham.
City of Birmingham Small Business Statistics
The Small Business Administration defines a “small business” as fewer than 50 employees and a “micro business” is fewer than 10 employees.
Birmingham micro businesses
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%
Roughly 75% of Birmingham-located small businesses may be classified as “micro businesses” with 10 or fewer employees.
Birmingham sole proprietorships
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%
60-76% of Birmingham-located businesses are sole proprietorships or employ just one individual.
Birmingham small businesses
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%
According to employee counts self-reported in the business licensing process, 98% of Birmingham businesses are small businesses (<50), and 92% are micro businesses (<10 employees).
Birmingham small businesses
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Small businesses are central to Alabama’s economy—and to its residents. Alabama’s more than 75,000 small businesses account for half of all private sector employment. In greater Birmingham alone, over 17,000 small businesses employ a total of more than 76,000 workers.
Alabama small businesses
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Small businesses in Alabama are a powerhouse of economic activity. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2024 Small Business Profile, Alabama is home to 449,024 small businesses, which make up 99.4% of all businesses in the state.
Network Navigator
The Network Navigator is your guide to small business resources available to Birmingham area entrepreneurs. This resource connects small business owners to a wealth of opportunities designed to support growth and success at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re seeking funding, coworking spaces, technical assistance, or small business workshops, the Network Navigator helps you access the tools you need. Additionally, it links you to a dynamic community of peers, mentors, and ecosystem partners dedicated to fostering a thriving and inclusive business environment in Birmingham.
Small Business Council
Stay connected with our community by attending workshops, networking opportunities, and informational sessions.
Events
Check out our calendar for upcoming events tailored to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
BHMUP Newsletter
Stay informed with the latest updates, resources, and opportunities for small businesses in Birmingham. The BHMUP Newsletter highlights success stories, upcoming events, and essential tips to help entrepreneurs and business owners stay ahead.
OBDO Team
Monique Shorts
Senior Program Manager
Dorothy George
Small Business Relationship Coordinator
