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birminghamal.gov
The City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity and Battle Plan Strategic Consulting have selected its inaugural cohort of the Birmingham Workforce Partner Accelerator (BWPA).
Five community-based organizations and small businesses across workforce sectors have been chosen to participate in a six-month intensive accelerator designed to help them build, fund, and launch workforce development programs that serve Birmingham residents.
“Through this accelerator, we’re not simply building organizational capacity; we’re strengthening the network of partners that help residents access quality jobs, career pathways, and the support they need to thrive,” said Erika M. Dix, manager of Workforce & Talent Development, Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity. “I look forward to watching these organizations grow, innovate, and collaborate as they continue making a lasting impact across Birmingham.”
After a competitive selection process conducted during a three-month preparation phase, the following organizations were chosen from a pool of applicants evaluated on organizational readiness, sector alignment, and commitment to Birmingham’s workforce ecosystem.
- Down By Law: A Birmingham-based organization committed to workforce reentry and economic opportunity for individuals impacted by the justice system, Down By Law brings a community-centered approach to building pathways toward sustainable employment.
- The Link Workforce Training Center: The Link Workforce Training Center delivers skills-based training and career readiness programming for Birmingham residents, connecting individuals to high-demand employment opportunities across multiple industry sectors.
- New Path Health Career Center: New Path Health Career Center focuses on healthcare workforce development, preparing Birmingham residents for careers in one of the region’s fastest-growing and most essential employment sectors. Their work addresses both the demand for trained healthcare workers and the opportunity for community members to access living-wage careers.
- Rebirth Community Corporation: Rebirth Community Corporation is a community-based organization grounded in economic revitalization and resident empowerment. Through its workforce programming, Rebirth works to expand access to training, employment, and economic mobility for underserved Birmingham communities.
- Iron City Iron Works Inc.: Iron City Iron Works Inc. brings deep expertise in the skilled trades, offering pathways into advanced manufacturing and construction trades — two sectors that are central to Birmingham’s industrial heritage and its workforce future. Their participation in the accelerator reflects the City’s commitment to honoring and growing its trade workforce.
The accelerator spans six workforce sectors — Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction Trades, Healthcare, Professional Services, and Transportation & Logistics — and culminates in a Demo Day competition on December 9, 2026, where participating organizations will pitch their programs before City leadership, funders, employers, and community stakeholders.
Cash prizes totaling $9,250 will be awarded at Demo Day, with first place receiving $5,000. The accelerator’s six-month programming phase runs July through December 2026, covering topics including program design and outcomes, partnership readiness, grant writing, data and evaluation, storytelling and pitch preparation, and more.
“This is just the beginning,” Dix said. “I’m excited to see how their leadership, creativity, and dedication will help shape a stronger, more connected workforce system for years to come.”
