The City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity announced Wednesday it has launched the Birmingham Workforce Partner Accelerator, a six-month program designed to support nonprofits, startups and community-based organizations in “building scalable, fundable workforce development programs that strengthen Birmingham’s economy and create real opportunity for residents,” the city shared in its press release. Applications are open now through May 29, 2026. The accelerator runs July through December 2026 and culminates in a public Demo Day showcase.
The city’s press release shared that the Birmingham Workforce Partners Accelerator was created to invest in the organizations doing workforce development work across Birmingham, and to build new partnerships across the city’s growing workforce ecosystem. Selected organizations will receive monthly in-person sessions, virtual coaching, peer learning and individualized support across program design, partnership development, data and evaluation, grant writing, operations and storytelling.
“The Birmingham Workforce Partners Accelerator was created with one goal in mind: to empower the organizations already doing meaningful work in our communities with the tools, strategy, and support needed to create lasting workforce impact,” said Erika M. Dix, manager of Workforce and Talent Development. “We recognized that many mission-driven organizations have innovative ideas and deep community trust but often lack access to the infrastructure, partnerships, and technical guidance needed to scale their vision. Through this accelerator, we are intentionally investing in local leaders and solutions that can help remove barriers, connect residents to opportunity, and strengthen Birmingham’s workforce ecosystem from the ground up. I’m incredibly excited about the long-term impact this program will have—not just for participating organizations, but for the residents, businesses, and communities they serve every day.”
Who should apply
The accelerator is open to nonprofits, startups and community-based organizations that are headquartered in Birmingham or that serve Birmingham residents as a primary population. Organizations of all sizes and stages are encouraged by the city to apply. One of the program’s central goals is to expand and diversify the network of organizations contributing to Birmingham’s workforce ecosystem.
Applicant programs should align with one or more of the city’s priority workforce sectors:
- Information Technology
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Construction Trades
- Healthcare
- Professional Services
- Transportation and Logistics
The program will give particular attention to organizations serving Birmingham communities including East Lake, Ensley, Five Points West, Fourth Avenue/Civil Rights District, North Birmingham, Smithfield/Elyton, Titusville and Woodlawn. Organizations working in or beyond these neighborhoods are being encouraged to apply.
What participants receive
Through the 6-month accelerator, participating organizations will engage in:
- Monthly in-person sessions in Birmingham
- Virtual coaching and peer learning
- Program design and outcomes frameworks
- Partnership readiness and compliance support
- Data collection and evaluation tools
- Grant writing and funding strategy
- Operations and budget planning
- A final Demo Day showcase/pitch competition before City leadership, funders and community partners
How to apply
Contact Erika Dix, manager of workforce and talent development, at [email protected].
