Forge News and Updates, Member Spotlight |
In August 2026, we welcomed the second cohort of the Birmingham Small Business Accelerator! This fall, 13 Birmingham-based small businesses are joining us for 12 weeks of focused learning, collaboration, and intentional growth.
Following the success of our first cohort, which took place in the spring, we were excited to welcome a new group of local entrepreneurs and continue the momentum of the program. Seeing the progress, connections, and growth that came from Cohort 1 reinforced the value of bringing business owners together with the right tools, resources, and support. We’re excited to see how Cohort 2 builds on that foundation and puts what they learn into action within their own businesses.
Throughout the 12 weeks, participants will work through Traction and apply its principles directly to their businesses. From strengthening day-to-day systems to setting clearer goals and strategies, the accelerator is designed to give local business owners practical tools they can continue using long after the program ends.
Thanks to the support of the City of Birmingham and the Bold Grant, we’re able to provide scholarships for Birmingham residents, helping make valuable business resources, education, and community more accessible to local entrepreneurs.
One of our favorite parts of the accelerator is the community that forms along the way. Each week, this group comes together ready to share ideas, learn from one another, ask questions, and take meaningful steps forward in their businesses. With 13 unique businesses represented, there is so much knowledge and experience in the room, and we’re already excited by the energy this cohort brings.
We can’t wait to see the progress Cohort 2 makes between now and November and to celebrate everything they accomplish along the way. We’re proud to support another group of entrepreneurs who are investing in their businesses and contributing to Birmingham’s growing small business community.
Meet The Businesses of the Accelerator:
Diehard Sports Network – Tim Stephens
Diehard Sports Network is building the next-generation media infrastructure for underserved college sports communities. We partner with local publishers covering Group of Six and FCS programs, providing the technology, AI-enabled editorial and business tools, distribution, monetization support and operating infrastructure they need to build sustainable local media businesses. Our network combines professional local coverage, podcasts, video, newsletters and fan communities under a scalable economic model designed around markets national and legacy media have abandoned. Diehard allows talented local publishers to focus on what humans do best — reporting, relationships, expertise and community — while our platform provides the infrastructure that once supported great local journalism. www.diehardsportsnetwork.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/timwstephens/
The Mack Master Professional Organizing – Jessica Cammack, MSM
The Mack Master Professional Organizing is a full-service home organization and transition management company helping busy professionals, families, and individuals reclaim their homes, time, and peace. We provide customized, hands-on support for clients who want more than a tidy space—they want someone they can trust to manage the details and create a home that functions beautifully for their real life. From professional organizing and whole-home resets to packing, unpacking, move management, downsizing, closet organization, and ongoing home maintenance, our team takes overwhelming projects off our clients’ plates and guides them from beginning to completion. Our approach is personal, discreet, judgment-free, and tailored to each household. You don’t have to clean up before we arrive or figure out where to begin—that’s what we’re here for. We organize homes for real people with real lives — serving Birmingham and beyond. www.themackmaster.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mack-master
Hashtag Consulting Pros is a communications and community engagement consulting firm that helps schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations strengthen their brand, tell their story, engage their communities, and grow their impact. Services include strategic communications, social media management, branding, website development, enrollment and outreach strategy, AI training, and community engagement support. www.hashtagconsultingpros.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaellaaskew87/
Evans Tree Service – Evans Hess, Carl Hess, Andrew Hess
Evans Tree Service is a family-owned Birmingham business that has been providing professional tree care to the community for more than three generations. With roots dating back to 1912, the company combines decades of experience with modern equipment and techniques to help homeowners and businesses keep their properties safe, healthy, and beautiful.
Their services include tree removal and trimming, storm cleanup, stump grinding, tree planting, certified arborist services, and tree risk assessments. From routine maintenance to complex or hazardous tree removal, the Evans Tree Service team approaches each project with an emphasis on safety, reliability, and expert care.
Proudly serving Birmingham and surrounding communities, Evans Tree Service has built its reputation on honest guidance, quality workmanship, and a commitment to taking care of both its customers and their properties. https://evanstreeservice.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanschess/
It’s A Trip LLC is a Birmingham-based hospitality and property-management company helping property owners transform residential real estate into professionally managed, income-producing accommodations. From short-term stays and corporate housing to co-hosting and property-management solutions, It’s A Trip combines hospitality, technology, local market knowledge, and hands-on management to create better experiences for both property owners and guests.
Global Team Staffing’s mission is to connect exceptional people with meaningful opportunities while delivering reliable workforce solutions to our clients. As a minority owned staffing firm based in Birmingham, we provide skilled talent across diverse industries, including hospitality, light industrial, administrative, information technology, and engineering, helping businesses grow and communities prosper.
SARCOR – Ashley Newton, Selena Rodgers Dickerson, Greg Dawkins, Antoine Liddell
SARCOR, LLC is a Birmingham-based civil engineering and infrastructure consulting firm specializing in transportation planning and engineering, aviation, civil engineering, and public utilities. The company serves public- and private-sector clients, providing practical infrastructure solutions that support safer, more accessible, and sustainable communities.
Flip The Culture – e. Josiah Kenty
Flip the Culture is a platform to help student-athletes build identity, self-regulation, and life skills through transition into the workplace. It’s built around the framework “The Player. The Person. The Plan.” — with the core belief that “society believes athletes could be more later, we believe in the more that’s in them now.”
Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. – Tanesha Sims-Summers and Clem Summers
Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. is a family-owned artisan kettle corn company located in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn community. Since 2014, we’ve been making the world a little sweeter through fun, fresh, and festive flavors, memorable experiences, and a commitment to community. We specialize in a small-batch, kettle-to-hand process. One of our Pophead favorites is the Birmingham Mix, our signature blend of French Toast and Cheddar kettle corn. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory—like breakfast in a bag. Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. helps people celebrate life’s sweet moments in a variety of ways. Guests can pop into our Woodlawn location on select retail days, and we offer nationwide shipping and local delivery. Our services include catering, corporate and client gifting, employee appreciation, fundraising, resale partnership opportunities, event activations, custom-branded orders, and gifts for celebrations and special occasions. Our kettle corn is also used for corporate meetings and conferences, weddings, birthdays, graduations, school and university events, nonprofit initiatives, community celebrations, swag bags, welcome bags, event favors, hotel amenities, real estate closings, care packages, client and employee gifts, and everyday moments of appreciation. We offer customization and custom-branded packaging for businesses, organizations, events, campaigns, and celebrations. Customized options can include individually packaged snacks featuring company or organization branding, event-specific labels, conference snacks, favors, client and employee gifts, and larger-volume orders. Ms Poppy, our signature kettle corn food truck, is another part of the Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. experience. Ms Poppy is available for select catered experiences, corporate gatherings, private celebrations, school and university events, community events, and other special occasions. You may also see Ms Poppy popping up throughout Birmingham at festivals, markets, sporting events, and community celebrations. Community is at the heart of Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. From our home in Woodlawn, we proudly work alongside schools, nonprofits, small businesses, corporations, municipalities, and community organizations. Through fundraising, donations, collaborations, event partnerships, and community activations, we use our business to create joy, strengthen relationships, support meaningful causes, and invest back into the communities we serve. From feeding a crowd and recognizing employees to celebrating milestones, supporting fundraisers, partnering with retailers, sending gifts across the country, or simply enjoying a favorite snack, Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn Co. is centered around creating sweet experiences that connect people and communities. It’s not just kettle corn. It’s connection. It’s celebration. It’s community.
The ForgeCo Group – Carol Forge Hatcher
The ForgeCo Group, a multifaceted entity that primarily focuses on financing, development, real estate, and construction management. We primarily serve as a solutions provider to clients which include city, state, and government.
Custom embroidery, screen printing, and company store programs for teams, brands, and institutions across the Southeast. Delivered with a concierge approach, on every order.
Junk Father LLC – Antoine Ward
We don’t just remove junk we remove problems. From junk removal to dumpsters and demolition we show up get it handled and keep your project rolling Building relationships and changing lives one property at a time🏡
Pink House Creations is a Birmingham-based custom printing and branding company helping businesses, organizations, and individuals bring their ideas to life. From DTF printing and custom banners to branded tents, tablecloths, signage, and event displays, Pink House Printing offers a variety of creative solutions designed to help brands stand out.
With a focus on quality, convenience, and eye-catching results, Pink House Creations makes it easy for customers to turn their vision into professional, personalized products. Whether supporting a small business with branded materials or helping create a memorable setup for an event, Pink House Creations is passionate about making a lasting impression.
Forge News and Updates |
Running a small business can feel like carrying a hundred different responsibilities at once. You’re making decisions, solving problems, leading a team, serving customers, and trying to figure out what’s next—all while keeping the day-to-day moving.
That’s why we launched the Birmingham Small Business Accelerator. Over 12 weeks, local business owners step away from simply working in their businesses and spend intentional time strengthening how they lead and operate them. Through practical tools, accountability, and the support of other Birmingham business owners, participants gain greater clarity about where they’re going—and a plan for how to get there.
Our Fall 2026 Cohort just launched and we couldn’t be more excited to gather this new group of small business owners!
But you don’t have to take our word for how awesome the Small Business Accelerator is! Here’s what past Accelerator participants have to say about their experience in this program:
Tapio Ikonen, On Fire Sales AI
Khalil Saadiq, Driven Auto Detailers
Amin Mohd, Dumpster Daddy
Natalie Nelson Parker, Civitas Consulting Group
Every business owner’s challenges look a little different, but you don’t have to figure them out alone. The Birmingham Small Business Accelerator gives you the space, tools, accountability, and community to step back from the day-to-day and move your business forward with greater clarity and confidence.
If you’re ready to build a stronger business alongside other Birmingham entrepreneurs, we’d love to have you in an upcoming cohort.
Learn more about the Birmingham Small Business Accelerator and apply for our next cohort.
Forge News and Updates |
Are you and your company looking for the perfect professional meeting space that meets all your needs? Look no further! Here is your guide to finding the meeting and event space of your dreams.
With more than 75 meeting spaces in Birmingham, finding one that fits your needs and desires may be overwhelming. That’s where I’m here to help. When booking a space in Birmingham, it’s important to make sure it has everything you need.
1. Professional Setting
2. Clean and Sanitized (especially during the current pandemic – you can never be too careful)
3. Well-Equipped with the Proper Amenities
4. Welcoming and Relaxed Environment
5. Cost-Effective
6. Parking and Accessibility
7. Geographically Convenient
8. Plenty of Room – You don’t want to feel cramped while in a meeting!
Here’s a list of some of the best Birmingham meeting spaces, that meet all of these requirements and more!
Did you really think I was going to write an article about the best meeting spaces in Birmingham and not include Forge? Forge, in the heart of downtown Birmingham, offers three beautifully designed conference rooms for members and visitors. These conference rooms can accompany varying numbers of people and offers beautiful natural light, proper technology, and stunning views of Birmingham. Forge also has event space available for groups of up to 100 people. Book a meeting room today or check out the event space!
Located in West Homewood, AL, besides Seeds Coffee, the Hub offers meeting spaces for up to 15 people. The space has all the proper technological equipment and WIFI needed, as well as a lounge, greenspace, and coffee next door. Similar to the next three places, the Hub is a collaborative co-working space for professionals of all kinds.
Photo from The Hub Website
Worx BHM, located off Lakeshore and Columbiana, offers two great options for conference rooms. They have rooms for 12 – 20 people, depending on location! If you’re interested in booking a space here, please contact info@worxbhm.com or call 205-379-6023 to reserve a room.
Photo from Worx Instagram
#4: Polaris
POLARIS BHM is a coworking space located in Woodlawn and has conference room space for up to 15 people. The room includes a TV for presentations, a projector wall and a glass whiteboard. Polaris was born from a simple but powerful belief: that Birmingham’s entrepreneurs, creatives, and change makers deserve a world-class space to build, connect, and grow.
photo from Polaris website
#5 Thrive Coworking
Another great option in Birmingham is THRIVE Coworking, located in the Parkside District. THRIVE offers modern, fully equipped meeting rooms that are ideal for client meetings, team huddles, and workshops. Their spaces combine a design-forward environment with practical amenities like high-speed internet, presentation tools, and flexible booking options, making it easy for businesses to host professional, productive meetings without long-term commitments. In addition to meeting rooms, THRIVE also provides coworking and private office options, creating a vibrant, community-driven workspace for entrepreneurs and teams.
photo from Thrive website
Back Forty has their B40 Barrel Room which is the perfect space for a more casual medium to large meeting space. The indoor stage and 20’ projection screen are the perfect added details for any presentations and conference rooms. For more information, email info@backfortybham.com.
photo from Bham Now
The Elyton Hotel offers wonderful meeting and event spaces, in downtown Birmingham. They have a number of different spaces that can accommodate groups of all sizes – from smaller 10 – 30 groups or up to 125 guests. The Elyton is the perfect place for your next meeting or conference. Call ahead or visit their website online for more information.
Photo from Marriott website
The Grand Bohemian provides meeting/conference spaces to meet all your capacity needs. Larger meetings and conferences may utilize the 400-person ballroom. In addition, they have smaller rooms for 10 to 35 people available for rent. Call ahead or book your space online.
Photo from Marriott Website
I hope this list of conference room and meeting and/or event spaces is a great start to an extensive list of incredible spaces located around Birmingham. If none of these places work out for you, I encourage you to continue to find and share spaces that work for all of your needs.
Even if coworking is not for you, we highly encourage you to check out these wonderful collaborative working spaces and some of the meeting and conference rooms Birmingham has to offer.
Forge News and Updates |
Starting and running a small business often begins at home — at the kitchen table, a spare bedroom, or the corner of a coffee shop. While those spaces work at first, many entrepreneurs eventually realize they need something more structured and professional.
…that’s where coworking comes in.
A coworking space for small business owners provides the flexibility, community, and resources that entrepreneurs need to grow without the high cost and commitment of a traditional office lease.
At Forge, our coworking community in downtown Birmingham was built specifically to support entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small teams.
👉 Learn more about our coworking memberships
The Challenges of Running a Business From Home
Working from home offers flexibility, but it also comes with real challenges — especially for small business owners.
Many entrepreneurs experience:
• Distractions that make it difficult to focus
• Isolation from other professionals
• Lack of professional meeting space
• Difficulty separating work and home life
Coworking spaces solve these challenges by providing an environment designed for focus, connection, and productivity.
The Power of Community for Entrepreneurs
One of the biggest benefits of working in a coworking space is the community.
When small business owners work alongside other entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups, they gain access to an informal network that often leads to:
• Business partnerships
• Client referrals
• Collaboration opportunities
• Shared knowledge and advice
Instead of working alone, coworking creates an environment where people can connect, share ideas, and support each other’s businesses. Forge hosts monthly events- some open to the public and others specifically for Forge members. Think: happy hours, new member lunches, waffle Wednesdays, and much more!
Increased Productivity and Better Work-Life Balance
Working from home can blur the line between work and personal life.
Coworking creates a clear boundary that helps small business owners stay focused during the workday while also allowing them to disconnect at the end of the day.
Many members find that simply being in a space where others are working leads to:
• Higher productivity
• More consistent work routines
• Fewer distractions
• Increased motivation
A change of environment can dramatically improve how someone approaches their work.
Events and Resources That Help Businesses Grow
Coworking spaces also provide access to events and learning opportunities that help small businesses grow.
At Forge, members regularly have opportunities to attend:
• Networking events
• Business workshops
• Speaker events with local entrepreneurs
• Community gatherings
Programs like the Birmingham Small Business Accelerator also help entrepreneurs refine their strategy and build momentum in their businesses.
👉 Learn more about the Birmingham Small Business Accelerator
An Affordable Workspace for Entrepreneurs
One of the biggest advantages of coworking is affordability.
Instead of committing to an expensive office lease, small business owners can access a professional workspace at a much lower cost.
At Forge, coworking memberships start at just $99 per month, making it an accessible option for:
• Freelancers
• Entrepreneurs
• Remote workers
• Consultants
• Small teams
Members can also upgrade to dedicated desks or private offices as their business grows.
👉 View membership options and pricing
Why Small Business Owners Choose Forge
Located in downtown Birmingham inside The Pizitz building, Forge provides a workspace where entrepreneurs can focus, connect, and grow their businesses.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of coworking, we’d love to show you around.
👉 Schedule a tour of Forge
Forge News and Updates, Member Spotlight |
In January 2026, we launched the first-ever cohort of the Birmingham Small Business Accelerator. We are incredibly grateful to have 10 Birmingham-based small businesses participating in this program and committing to intentional growth together.
Over the course of this 12-week accelerator, participants will work through the book Traction, applying its principles directly to their businesses with the goal of building stronger systems, clearer strategies, and sustainable momentum.
This program is made possible through the support of the City of Birmingham and the Bold Grant, which allows us to offer scholarships to Birmingham residents and ensure local entrepreneurs have access to meaningful resources and support.
What truly sets this program apart is the people. The business owners and team members in this cohort show up each week ready to learn, collaborate, and grow—bringing dedication, curiosity, and a shared desire to make their businesses the best they can be. Their commitment is what makes this program special, and we’re excited to see the impact they’ll continue to have on Birmingham’s small business community!
Meet The Businesses of the Accelerator:
Dumpster Daddy – Amin Mohd and Misty Reeves
At Dumpster Daddy, our mission is simple: to provide Birmingham and the surrounding areas with the most reliable, efficient, and customer-friendly dumpster rental services. We understand the importance of timely and dependable service in keeping your projects on track. Whether you’re a contractor, homeowner, or business owner, we are here to meet your waste disposal needs with professionalism and a smile.
Www.dumpsterdaddyal.com
Dee Dee’s Driven Automotive Detailers – Khalil Saadiq
We’re mobile, automotive detailers who use techniques derived from the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence and the latest in Automotive Body/Collision Repair to ensure we provide showroom quality cleaning, sanitation, and protection for vehicles. Most importantly, we bring this high level of professional service right to our customers’ doorstep.
https://www.instagram.com/drivenautodetailers/
Cha House, located in Avondale on 41st Street, helps Birmingham flourish through the power of tea and community. We believe in the power of tea to bring people together and help us slow down in the present moment. We have an extensive menu featuring every category of tea. We host daily events with a variety of facilitators, artists, and musicians.
https://www.chahousebham.com/
Brianna’s Natural Infusions – Brianna Butler
BNI makes natural skin care and hair growth products such as soaps, body butters, sugar scrubs, body oils, and pain relief products.
www.bninfusion.com
OnFireSales.AI is a sales-growth agency for SMB businesses in the United States and Finland. We help our customers break their revenue records in 90 days with content marketing, 10X Sales Coaching and marketing automation.
Partyology Event Planning creates fun, stress-free events through full-service planning, entertainment, décor, and interactive experiences for private, corporate, and community events.
Civitas Consulting Group helps cities, institutions, and mission-driven organizations turn bold ideas into measurable impact through proven strategy, smart systems, and scalable execution.
Mogul Mission is a marketing and business development company that also has a podcast network that creates content for entrepreneurs, creatives, tech, community, and business professionals.
Brainsavers.co provides a variety of small business consulting services. It focuses on helping early-stage startups, solopreneurs, and small companies build out operations and start to scale.
JIREH Logistics is an aggregate hauling company. Its primary focus is on streetscape resurfacing and paving.
