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.
Member Spotlight |
Meet LaToya R. Mims- our newest Forge Ambassador!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is LaToya R. Mims. I am a proud native of Birmingham, AL. I am married to my best friend, Henry Mims and we have two beautiful children, Harper (6) and Mason (almost 2).
Professionally, my background is in Clinical Laboratory Science and Infection Prevention, but I have recently shifted gears to really utilize my strengths of breaking down barriers in communication and truly fostering relationships to work in serving others, through my nonprofit.
I am an avid lover of volleyball and basketball, and have 12 years of coaching volleyball under my belt.
What brought you to Forge?
I was familiar with Forge because I previously utilized the Cahaba conference room and was impressed with how effortless the process to book a room was. So when Catrice, who is also an Ambassador at Forge, recommended the opportunity to serve as an Ambassador, I was very interested.
What are you looking forward to about working at Forge?
After meeting with Kim and learning about how the Ambassadors serve, I was truly amazed by the opportunities to network. So, I am really looking forward to participating in the panels and other community networking events.
What do you do when you are not working at Forge?
When I am not at Forge, I am putting in the work to build my nonprofit,
The WildFlower Alliance, into a sustainable organization that will impact families for generations to come.
I also am a part of 3 different leadership cohorts, UAB Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and other related Disabilities (LEND), Partners in Policymaking Alabama (PIPA) and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) LEND Scholars based in Connecticut, to truly invest in building my knowledge base of policies that impact individuals with Disabilities.
If you could choose to do anything for the day, what would you choose to do?
If I could do anything for a day, it would be to sit on a beach in front of the ocean and just be.
What is your favorite thing about Birmingham?
My favorite thing about Birmingham is our ability to evolve and thrive. We have seen and endured some remarkable times, historically that set a precedent. Birmingham is stronger today and our growth continual.
Forge News and Updates |
It’s August! The beginning of a new month is always a great time to think about your goals and what habits you are bringing into the new month, as well as what you are leaving behind. At Forge, we always encourage our members to think of their short-term and long-term goals and encourage each other to succeed!
Overall, setting goals is a key strategy for achieving success and fulfillment in various aspects of life, whether professional or personal. When setting goals, it can be helpful to consider what is involved in the process by breaking it down into “ins” (things to do) and “outs” (things to avoid). This approach makes it clear what you should do to support your goal and what to avoid that might be holding you back.
Ins for August:
Including the following elements in your work life can greatly enhance overall satisfaction and effectiveness in your work. Here’s why we think each of these elements should be “in”:
- More Productivity:
- Increasing productivity is key to hitting your business goals and getting things done. When you focus on getting things done efficiently, you can finish tasks on time and see better results.
- A Professional Workspace:
- A well-organized and professional workspace promotes a positive impression and helps create an environment beneficial to focused work. It can improve concentration, reduce distractions, and support a more professional attitude in your work day.
- Community of Other Business Professionals:
- Networking with other professionals can lead to valuable connections, collaborations, and opportunities for growth. A community of like-minded individuals can provide support, share knowledge, and offer insights that enhance your own professional journey. Forge is filled with other like-minded business professionals to network with and many opportunities to do so.
- Flexible and Clean Workspace:
- Flexibility in your workspace is helpful to support different preferences of work styles as well as opportunities for a variety in your work day. Also, a clean workspace is crucial for reducing stress and promoting a healthy work environment.
- Fun Events:
- Attending the fun, member and community events fosters team bonding, boosts morale, and creates a positive work culture. These events can also provide opportunities for relaxation and informal networking, contributing to overall job satisfaction. At Forge, we offer both member only events as well as events open to the community. There are always ways to connect in community and do enjoyable things to reward yourself for working hard!
- Complimentary Domestique Coffee:
- Forge offers complimentary, high-quality Domestique coffee that is brewed fresh every morning. This can enhance your work experience by providing a small but appreciated perk in your day. It can also improve mood, increase energy levels, and serve as a social aspect for conversations with other members in the kitchen.
- Affordable Membership and Leasing:
- Cost efficiency is essential for maximizing the value of your workspace. Forge has a variety of membership levels and valuable amenities that accommodate a range of budgets. Coworking spaces are a more budget-friendly option compared to traditional offices, giving you great value without breaking the bank.
By integrating these elements to your work life, you can create a more motivating and professional atmosphere that drives you and your business to success.
Outs for August:
Removing or avoiding the following elements can significantly improve the work experience and overall productivity. Here’s why each of these should be “out”:
- Isolation and Being Stuck at Home All Day:
- Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and decreased motivation. Working from home without in-person interaction with others can limit opportunities for collaboration, networking, and social engagement, which are important for personal and professional growth.
- Distractions at Home While Working:
- Home environments often come with various distractions that can disrupt focus and reduce productivity. A dedicated workspace helps minimize these interruptions and allows for a more professional and efficient work environment.
- Overpriced Coffee:
- High costs for coffee can be financially straining. Having an alternative access to complimentary coffee enhances convenience and can improve morale in an affordable way. Forge members have access to complimentary Domestique coffee that is brewed fresh every morning in the kitchen.
- Leasing an Expensive, Traditional Office:
- High leasing costs for traditional office spaces can be very expensive, especially for startups and small businesses. Affordable and flexible office solutions can reduce financial strain and offer more adaptable options for various business needs.
- Working in Solitude:
- Working in complete solitude can lead to a lack of collaboration, motivation and support. Interaction with other professionals can spark creativity, provide feedback, and foster a sense of community, all of which contribute to a more dynamic and engaging work environment and success.
- Trying to Find a Seat at a Crowded Coffee Shop:
- Crowded coffee shop can create an uncomfortable and unproductive work environment. Finding a seat can be stressful and may lead to interruptions or a lack of focus. A more dedicated workspace and guaranteed spot offers a stable and reliable environment for work without the hassle of finding a place to work.
By eliminating these factors, you can create a more effective, enjoyable, and supportive work environment that enhances productivity and satisfaction.
Memberships at Forge
What are your Ins and Outs for this month? Forge is the perfect space to implement and achieve your goal and form habits that increase productivity and success in your business. We offer different levels of membership to fit the needs of each individual or team.
Interested in becoming a member at Forge? Give us a call at 205.870.7558 or reach out to info@workatforge.com with any questions! Or, book a tour today to come check out the space and talk through how Forge could be the right fit for you!
Forge News and Updates |
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the art and science of navigating the newest changes to the LinkedIn algorithm to elevate your presence on LinkedIn, connecting you with opportunities, clients, and partners. Donna Gilliland of MOSTraining came to Forge to teach a Lunch & Learn about harnessing the power of the LinkedIn algorithm. Whether you’re a seasoned LinkedIn pro or just starting your journey, these insights will empower you to make your mark in the digital professional landscape.
The LinkedIn algorithm changed in March 2023. The algorithm determines what content is sent to its userbase. What does the LinkedIn algorithm reward? What does it punish? Let’s delve in!
LinkedIn users are saying “I want to better at what I do.”
~ Daniel Roth, Editor in Chief, VP at LinkedIn
Quality and Low-Quality Algorithm Signals
- Engagement: quality comments are a positive signal whereas a simple click of like isn’t. Think of holding a conversation when you comment. What does that look like?
- A lackluster comment: “Good Job”
- A meaningful comment: Yes, our team uses ChatGPT too. It has been a great tool for our sales agents. Here are a few prompts we have found useful.
- Appropriate use of hashtags: Three to five is considered best. Make sure they are content relevant. If you start using too many hashtags and meaningless ones that is a poor-quality signal to the algorithm.
- Encourage interaction from your connections by asking a question.
- Too many misspelled words signal a low-quality. Make certain you proofread.
- Tagging etiquette: only tag people in your post where it makes sense! Don’t be an over-tagger.
A couple quick tips from Alice Xiong, Director of Product, LinkedIn Search on what people say they want to see more of.
- Content posts that increase knowledge and gives advice.
- People want to feel connected with others.
- Help in discovering the right opportunities.
LinkedIn is now evaluating your authority, which is why it’s important that your profile aligns with your expertise. It might be time for you to do a LinkedIn profile refresh.
“We are looking to see that you are building community around content, and around knowledge-sharing that you are uniquely qualified to talk about,” ~ Daniel Roth, VP at LinkedIn
Tips to Increase Your Posts’ Visibility:
- Engagement with relevant content
- Follow relevant profiles
- Connect with your target audience
- Post valuable content
- Use relevant hashtags
- Create and share video content (you could potentially get more visibility if you upload the video rather than link to an external website, like YouTube.)
- Engage in LinkedIn groups
- Leverage LinkedIn analytics on your post engagement
Below is a suggested learning resource from Donna about the recent LinkedIn Algorithm changes.
Donna Gilliland’s enlightening Lunch & Learn session here at Forge has shed light on the nuances of LinkedIn! To enhance your visibility and make a lasting impact on this platform, be sure to engage with relevant content, follow profiles that inspire you, and create valuable contributions to the LinkedIn community. By embracing these principles and staying attuned to the evolving landscape, you can harness the power of the LinkedIn algorithm! Be sure to follow Forge and join us for upcoming events!
Forge News and Updates |
For entrepreneurs and established businesses alike, making a decision about office space is no easy task. There are so many options to consider and factors to weigh. Before you begin your search for a home base for your business, it’s critical to determine what you’re looking for: are you going to go with a coworking space or a traditional office?
If you are given the options of an office in a coworking space vs. traditional office work, which suits you better?
One of the most important benefits of coworking is its flexibility as compared to traditional offices. At Forge you can rent an office for one year, 6 months or month-to-month. You don’t have to commit to a long-term lease. And your rent at Forge includes things like utilities, internet, professional business address, meeting room credit, and even coffee.
Flexible lease options give you the ability to use the space on a short-term basis and to grow or shrink your physical space requirements as needed. Coworking offices can offer a more tailor-made solution when it comes to lease and space requirements.
Forge Rooftop Conference Room
Another perk? You can occupy your fully-furnished space right away. Forge private offices come with desks, chairs, filing cabinet, whiteboard and internet… plus a variety of amenities (like unlimited coffee!) and on-demand meeting space arrangements.
It’s not all about the physical space. Coworking spaces mean you have the opportunity to join forces with people with complementary skills and/or people who require your skills. Working from Forge makes it easy to network and grow your business connections and friendships!
Team office at Forge
Now let’s talk about traditional offices…
Leasing a traditional office usually represents a long-term commitment. Also, you need to think about your upfront costs with a traditional office. When you lease a traditional office, you will have to furnish and equip your space. This may also include expensive investments like building out amenities and meeting rooms.
And what about management of the space? You’ll have to take on the task of managing the office which can include maintenance and cleaning.
Not only that, but you have fewer opportunities to network and collaborate. You have less of a chance of connecting with people from other companies or industries.
Whether you’re considering a traditional office or an office in a coworking space, make sure the physical space you choose reflects the image you want to project for your clients, potential employees and partners, and the type of business you’re in!
Interested in touring a private office at Forge? Click below!
