In a series of stories, Al.com will continue to explore Big ideas for transforming birmingham.
When the Reverend Birmingham organized a tax seminar for owners of small businesses last month, it worked towards a wider mission: the strengthening and revitalization of the city center.
But Rev, a great defender of historic tax credits for preservation initiatives, has more than one tool at his belt. One of these tools is the Magic City program of the business growth program, which provides financial and mentoring support for local black entrepreneurs. REV used this program to help Patrick Packer in his business.
Packer, president and chief executive officer of Datus Henry Industriesbelieves that the historic Birmingham Fourth Avenue business district is in the middle of a revival.
“The energy in the business district of the fourth avenue is simply incredible,” said Packer. “Many business owners, many innovative activations to do pedestrian traffic here.
“The owners of companies network together to support each other and create an environment that can benefit the citizens of Birmingham and in particular tourists who came to this sector.”
The enthusiasm of the packer for the momentum of the district is exactly this Rev birmingham Go for.
REV played a key role in preserving the history of the city thanks to initiatives that inspire optimism for the future of the community.
“ Binding companies and people ‘in Birmingham
For 14 years, REV has committed to revitalize the city center of Birmingham and, in particular, the Woodlawn district, by strengthening existing places, by creating experiences and supporting the owners of local businesses.
The non -profit organization was formed thanks to the merger of the New Birmingham operation and the rue Main Birmingham, creating what they call “the ultimate economic dream team”.
Through the Match Magic City And Birmingham open for businessReview offers subsidies to owners of small businesses. Magic City Match is a partnership with Prosper, a non-profit organization focused on the promotion of inclusive and flourishing economic ecosystems in the Southeast.
According to the REV website, the Finance of Resources Initiative for Brick and Mortar Companies belonging to blacks in Birmingham, helping them develop at each stage of development. To qualify, companies must be belonging to the majority by entrepreneurs who identify themselves like black American descendants of slavery.
2024 Magic City Mach Areee Event JuneRev birmingham
As one of the 2024 recipients of the Magic City Match, Datus Henry Industries has obtained advice and assistance on marketing strategies and technology to refine its marketing media and reach a wider audience with its products.
“Because we are a small business, we generally cannot afford major marketing plans and purchase of ads, so we have to go after free media. Our image in these spaces must be clear and professional, even if we cannot afford a marketing and design design company. We were able to use funds to have technology to develop our own marketing equipment and publications and advertisements.
Datus Henry CBD Wellness and Health Store on 1525 4th Ave N.Diane Mwai
According to their website, Open to Business to Business to Business Works with the PNC Foundation to support entrepreneurs who need help to launch it, expand or scope their companies. Small or minorities in low to moderate income districts or commercial districts are invited to apply.
Birmingham Open for the winners of the open business sceneRev birmingham
In the two business growth programs, REV granted $ 1,125,000 in total of subsidies to 45 owners of small businesses, including 15 brick and mortar companies.
“We want to help give small businesses a resource, to really build a pipeline of companies that can really occupy spaces because we want to see less vacant windows. It helps people even feel a safe place, “said David Fleming, president and chief executive officer of Rev Birmingham.
Fleming said specifically in Woodlawn, his team has managed to strengthen the district management resources. They called on a district director whose work focuses on maintaining frequent contacts with business owners in the region while meeting all physical, marketing or economic needs that may arise.
“We really started under Main Street in 2004, working in Woodlawn and it was a time when no one was really interested in doing anything from a real estate investment point of view,” said Fleming.
Over time, REV began to acquire commercial buildings as a non -profit developer to align properties with their mission and create a catalyst for the market.
“For example, a building we bought had several windows. It was 60% vacant and when we were able to renovate it, we did not have to expel anyone who was there, but we were able to occupy it 100%,” said Fleming.
Rev thinks that small businesses are at the heart of Birmingham’s commercial districts. The organization has worked in various districts such as Ensley, but is now mainly concentrated in the city center and Woodlawn.
“ The truth about the city center ” Birmingham
In the midst of the important economic and social impacts of COVVI-19 on Birmingham, Fleming and its REV team recognized a need for information easily accessible and focused on the city. This information would help inform residents of Birmingham’s economic health and economic development.
REV has gathered data from various sources in the city to organize a data report that they both publish the two quarters which may be found on downtownbhm.com Under the “Do Business” tab.
For example, in 2024, there were 40 commercial openings and 16 companies that soon open in Southsoid, at five southern points, in Parkside and in the city center.
Fleming said that it was more than just a report – it should be a tool that city’s political decision -makers use. “We want it to be a tool for the private sector to say, well, what initiatives we have to make to strengthen the city center,” said Fleming.
“If you really want to understand what’s going on on the city center market, you should call us.”
Rev provides residents, business owners, developers and political data on subjects ranging from residential growth to building occupation.
The organization has created downtownbhm.com as a resource for community members and tourists.
Map of the city center of Birmingham, graciousness of review
“We have a downtown website that we did not have five years ago. There was not a single place where you could go to discover things on the city center of Birmingham. (Like) where to live, where to park, what is happening, ”said Fleming.
Fleming has said that resources such as downtown website and data report are tools to promote opportunities and tell the story of Birmingham, so that people can better understand the city.
Expand the company’s improvement district
The city center of Birmingham has a district of business improvement (BID) since 1995, which now revives.
The owners can pay fees – similar to an association of owners – which finances additional services in the region, physically represented by the CAP.. They are recognizable by their blue shirts and help keep the city center clean by eliminating graffiti and picking up the garbage.
Cap pressure washingRev birmingham
Fleming explained that Birmingham’s offer Take advantage of the REV forces in planning, economic development, communications and marketing resources, which include hiring the ceiling.
“They are also trained in security, they keep their eyes open to problems and challenges,” said Fleming.
Bid has played a key role in work with the city to update the 20th street leading to the world games, the first major street update since the 1970s.
20th street bistro seatsRev birmingham
Last year, an offer extended beyond the city center to include five points to the south and the innovation deposit area, now known as The switch.
What is the next step for Reverend Birmingham?
REV is motivated to take what they have developed in Woodlawn in the business districts located in the city center.
The Fleming team will continue to maintain and manage the commercial districts of Birmingham while strengthening their efforts. “Take vacant buildings that have been vacant for a long time and position them better for new market opportunities,” said Fleming.
Currently, the non-profit organization is working with consultants to create a strategy of economic growth for the city center which will bring more opportunities and position Rev as a great partner of the city.
“The city center is always the largest concentration of employment in the region. And we want to continue to develop this. We want to develop the residential area, grow the visitors’ base. But we must know what we can do in today’s environment,” said Fleming.
Fleming has said that industries such as professional services, life sciences, innovation and technology, food and drinks, hospitality and logistics are key areas for employment possibilities in Birmingham.
“I would certainly like the point of view of the regime to be able to help better coordinate, all the different members of the economic development ecosystem for the city center,” said Fleming.
“Criticism to everything that remains the experience of people.”
Fleming wants to create more experiences and events that push people in the region. This will fill the gaps around important events such as Technician And Sidewalk film festival And encourage yourself to focus on city windows.
“We have such a large urban fabric. Historical preservation is important for me. It is important for this whole city because we have this very much sense of the place,” said Fleming.
“In the city center and Woodlawn, there are a lot of strength to develop. And it’s not accidental. This is due to work and intentional efforts for many years. ”
The greatest successes of REN through the city
In a series of stories,Al.com continue to explore Big ideas for transforming birmingham– Ideas, programs and initiatives aimed at making the city stronger, more prosperous, better educated and safer than today.