Fairfield Forward

06/16/2025

🚨 District 5 nonprofits—don’t miss this chance to grow.With strong support from Councilor Daryl O’Quinn and the thoughtful leadership of Frank Woodson, Founding Board Member of CARA, the Nonprofit Accelerator is helping small-but-mighty nonprofits like yours level up. 💡📈This program is more than resources. It’s a blueprint—to build structure, gain funding, and strengthen the nonprofits that make our city thrive.⏳ Wait and you’ll watch others take your spot.✅ Act now and position your nonprofit for lasting impact.📲 Apply today: CARAnow.orgOnly a few seats available—secure yours now!

06/16/2025

🚨 District 4 nonprofits—this is the funding door you’ve been waiting for.Thanks to the bold leadership of Councilor J.T. Moore and the vision of Frank Woodson, Co-Founder of CARA, the Nonprofit Accelerator is live—and it’s tailored just for you. 💼🚀This isn’t another grant application. It’s hands-on support to help your nonprofit build real capacity, secure capital, and grow your mission with strength.📉 Don’t sit out while others scale up.Spots are limited, and those who move first, win first.📲 Apply now: CARAnow.orgOnly a few organizations will get in. Make sure you’re one of them.

05/22/2025

https://youtu.be/4zTh8alggvE?feature=shared

On May 8th, 2025, small business owners from across Jefferson County celebrated their graduation from the Micro Business Accelerator Cohort — a program designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and connections to scale.

🎓 Highlights from the event include:
• Business pitch presentations to funders, banks, and community leaders
• Certificate awards from Auburn University’s Government & Economic Development Institute
• Keynote insights from the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, Endeavor Birmingham, and Pinnacle Financial Partners
• Inspiring words from nonprofit leader Frank Woodson
• New opportunities around workforce development grants
• Continued post-graduation support from The North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

This event was more than a ceremony — it was a celebration of resilience, growth, and the power of small business.

Special thanks to Jefferson County, Alabama, Office of Minority Affairs, Alabama Power Foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Regions Bank Foundation & Innovate Alabama.

On May 8th, 2025, small business owners from across Jefferson County celebrated their graduation from the Micro Business Accelerator Cohort — a program desig...

10/29/2024

Looking to stay connected and grow your business?

On Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 7:30am - 8:30am at the CARA HQ, The Fairfield Business Alliance Group will host a networking event of welcoming and community strengthening for business owners.

Invest in your business and invest in your community---You don't want to miss this impactful event!📣

06/01/2023

Congratulations, Steve Ammons!

Steve Ammons has officially taken the helm as the new President & CEO of BBA. We're excited to welcome him aboard and can't wait to witness his inspiring leadership and vision in action.

Click the link below to read Steve's heartfelt letter to the Greater Birmingham Region. Together, let's shape a brighter future!

bit.ly/3oPGhsa

11/21/2022

Congratulations, Dr. Adrienne Starks!

Today's highlighted Trailblazer Honoree is Dr. Adrienne Starks.

Dr. Adrienne Starks is a native of Fairfield, AL and received a BS in Biology from Alabama A&M University(AAMU). She received a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) studying breast and prostate cancer.

In 2015, Dr. Starks founded STREAM Innovations, Inc., where the mission has been committed to helping students develop and explore their passion in Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STREAM) by providing exposure, experiences, and engagement with high expectations for their success. STREAM Innovations has served over 2,000 students through a wide range of programs across Alabama.

Please join us Dec. 1st @ 6pm to celebrate and honor Dr. Starks as well as our other Trailblazers.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-naacp-metro-birmingham-branch-freedom-fund-gala-tickets-449056077817

11/19/2022

WOW!

09/22/2022

The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance would like to extend an invitation to entrepreneurs, across Central Alabama, to increase their capacity with technology.

Beginning Monday, September 26th, we will provide University of Alabama students, proficient in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and Google Docs for one on one modules.

Contact CARA at [email protected] for more information.
We look forward to strengthening your business by strengthening your technology skills.

07/08/2022

AWESOME!!

Congratulations to Rashada LeRoy, founder of LRY Media Group, an event planning company that is producing the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama starting this week. Rashada was initiated in the Lambda Zeta Chapter at the University of Alabama. Watch the Opening Ceremony TONIGHT via stream at theworldgames.org or visit TWG2022.com for more information.