Ignite & Thrive: Fueling Small Business Success
Call for Speakers – Birmingham Small Business Week 2025
Birmingham Small Business Week will unite national and local business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to celebrate entrepreneurship and small businesses with exciting events and programs to drive innovation, growth, and community change! Highlights include interactive workshops on leveraging emerging technologies to improve commerce and streamline operations, ensuring businesses stay ahead of the curve. Expert-led panels will dive into strategies for building long-term stability and sustainable growth while also providing actionable advice for enhancing customer service models to foster loyalty and satisfaction. Specialized sessions on economic mobility will explore ways small businesses can create local jobs and contribute to workforce development. Additionally, community development events will showcase how businesses can strengthen their local economies, foster partnerships, and play a key role in community empowerment.
Share your expertise, elevate your brand, and shape the future of business.
SUBMIT YOUR RFPPOWERED BY:
INSPIRE CHANGE
You Can Elevate Your Voice & Impact
Embrace the Opportunity to Lead the Future of Business.:
- Expand Your Reach – Position yourself as a thought leader in the business community.
- Connect & Network – Engage with key stakeholders, small business owners, and industry professionals.
- Impact & Inspire – Equip businesses with actionable strategies to drive success.
- Influence & Credibility- Position yourself as a go-to expert in your industry.
- Connections & Opportunities- Turn your expertise into impact—help small businesses thrive while expanding your network.
Yes, Your Expertise Matters!
Whether you're a seasoned business leader or a rising industry expert, your knowledge can inspire, educate, and drive real change.
SUBMIT YOUR RFP
During Small Business Week You Can…
Step into the spotlight, share your expertise, and contribute to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
INTRODUCING
Birmingham's Small Business Week Speaker Request for Proposal
Are You Ready To Make An Impact on the Future of Business?
Join us for Small Business Week 2025 and share your expertise with Birmingham’s entrepreneurial community. We seek dynamic speakers, panelists, experts, and industry leaders to contribute valuable insights on nonprofit impact, workforce development, customer engagement, brand elevation, and government contracting.
Event Dates: May 4-10, 2025
Submission Deadline: Friday, March 28, 2025
Speaker Opportunities
We are accepting Request for Proposal (RFP) submissions for the following opportunities:
MAY 5, 2025
Nonprofit Transformation – Impact & Innovation
In-Person Event
We seek experienced nonprofit leaders, fundraising experts, and operations strategists who can provide actionable insights to help nonprofits innovate, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term sustainability to remain solvent and impactful in the city of Birmingham.
Ideal speakers will bring expertise in:
- Fundraising Innovation – Proven strategies to diversify revenue streams and build sustainable funding models.
- Operational Strategy – Optimizing internal processes to maximize impact and financial stability.
- Strategic Partnerships – Leveraging collaborations to expand reach and deepen community impact.
Selected speakers will help nonprofit professionals walk away with practical strategies to elevate their organizations, improve financial health, and drive lasting change in Birmingham’s communities.
MAY 5, 2025
Lunch & Learn Building a Talent-Driven Future: Workforce Development Strategies
Virtual Event
We seek workforce development specialists, HR leaders, and business strategists who can provide proven strategies to help businesses attract, retain, and develop top talent in a rapidly evolving job market.
Ideal speakers will bring expertise in:
- Talent Acquisition & Retention – Best practices for building strong, high-performing teams.
- Workforce Development Programs – Creating training initiatives that close skills gaps and drive career growth.
- Future of Work Trends – Understanding evolving labor market needs and innovative hiring strategies.
Speakers will provide actionable insights to help businesses create scalable workforce solutions that support long-term growth and sustainability.
MAY 6, 2025
Customer Centricity & Future of Commerce – Engaging Your Audience
In-Person Event
We seek customer experience specialists, digital marketing strategists, and business growth experts who can provide actionable insights on creating customer-first businesses that thrive in an evolving marketplace.
Ideal speakers will bring expertise in:
- Customer Experience & Service Excellence – Strategies to build loyalty, measure satisfaction, and drive repeat business.
- Innovative Sales & Digital Marketing – Using digital tools to enhance engagement and drive conversions.
- Emerging Commerce Trends – Understanding the future of consumer behavior and leveraging technology for growth.
Speakers will equip business owners with practical strategies to deepen customer relationships, increase brand engagement, and unlock new revenue opportunities.
MAY 6, 2025
Brand Elevation & Growth Catalyst – Building Your Foundation
In-Person Event
We seek brand strategists, marketing experts, and visibility specialists who can guide businesses in elevating their brand presence, amplifying their message, and driving meaningful growth.
Ideal speakers will bring expertise in:
- Brand Storytelling & Identity – Crafting a compelling narrative that attracts customers and builds trust.
- Scaling with Digital & Social Media – Leveraging content, paid ads, and platforms to increase reach.
- Growth Strategies & Market Expansion – Techniques to refine business positioning and maximize visibility.
Speakers will provide actionable insights on how businesses can stand out, scale up, and sustain long-term success by measuring ROI on branding efforts.
MAY 9, 2025
Empowerment, Equity, Talent & Workforce Evolution – Investing in Your People
In-Person Event
We seek business leaders, inclusive workplace strategists, workforce development experts, and champions of women-owned enterprises.
Ideal speakers will bring expertise in:
- Opportunity for All – Strategies to cultivate workplaces that embrace diverse perspectives and foster professional growth..
- Women in Business & Entrepreneurship – Celebrating women entrepreneurs, building supportive networks, and exploring opportunities unique to women-owned businesses.
- Workplace Evolution & Future Trends – Understanding workforce shifts and innovative approaches to employee engagement.
Speakers will equip attendees with proven strategies to foster equity, empower employees, and build a resilient workforce for the future.
This Speaker Opportunity Is For You If...
- You have deep expertise in business, marketing, operations, workforce development, or economic impact.
- You want to share proven strategies that help small businesses and entrepreneurs grow, scale, and thrive.
- You are passionate about equipping others with the tools to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
- You are a thought leader who understands industry trends and wants to drive real impact through your insights
"Small Business Week celebrates creativity, innovation, and the heart of our communities. It’s a time to ignite excitement, unite people, and inspire bold ideas shaping the future."
- Coreata R. Houser, Senior Deputy Director | Innovation & Economic Opportunity, City of Birmingham
"I am now ready to scale my business. It feels so good to be back on track in growing ."
- Bill Bayaud
"I was always afraid to network and promote my nonprofit! Small Business Week taught me how to work smarter and stop holding my mission back."
- Susan Smith
"Small Business Week transformed my income generation. I am grateful for the proven-strategies and meaningful connections."
- Martin Marino
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for a speaking opportunity at SBW 2025, applicants must:
- Complete the full speaker application by the deadline of Friday, March 28th at midnight.
- Attend a mandatory 1-hour virtual training upon acceptance.
- Complete and submit all required documentation, including speaker agreements.
- Sign a media release form to allow recording and promotional use of their session.
RFP applications will be reviewed and considered based on the following criteria:
Demonstrated Expertise in Fostering Innovation and People-Centered Solutions for Small Businesses. Proposals must showcase a proven track record of delivering innovative strategies and solutions that prioritize the needs and experiences of small business owners and their customers. This includes, but is not limited to, the integration of emerging technologies, the development of user-friendly tools, and the implementation of customer-centric approaches.
Provision of Highly Qualified and Engaging Professional Speakers and Facilitators. Proposals must include experienced speakers and facilitators with proven expertise in small business development, marketing, operations, community engagement, and economic growth. Speakers should possess strong presentation skills and the ability to connect with diverse audiences. Include speaker bios, sample presentations, and references.
Proven Expertise in Small Business Operations, Marketing, and Operational Efficiency. Proposals must demonstrate a deep understanding of small businesses’ challenges and opportunities. Vendors should provide evidence of their expertise in financial management, marketing strategy, operational streamlining, and customer relationship management. Include specific techniques and methodologies that will be utilized during the event.
Expertise in Community and Economic Development focusing on Small Business Impact. Proposals must demonstrate a strong understanding of local economic development initiatives and the role of small businesses in driving community growth. Vendors should propose strategies for fostering partnerships between small businesses, government agencies, and community organizations. They should also include plans for measuring the economic impact of the event.
Measurement & Impact Evaluation. Proposals should expect a plan for post-event assessment, key performance indicators (KPIs) such as attendee engagement, speaker effectiveness, and measurable business outcomes.
Engagement & Audience-Centered Design. Proposals should demonstrate how speakers tailor content to Birmingham’s small business ecosystem. They should include interactive elements like Q&A, workshops, or hands-on activities to enhance engagement by aligning their presentations with the challenges and opportunities unique to Birmingham’s business community.
Diversity & Representation. Proposals should feature content that engages various industry experts, small business owners, women-led enterprises, and historically underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Marketing & Promotion Plan. Proposals should outline strategies for promoting speaker sessions and driving attendance, including outreach efforts to maximize event visibility.
Technology & Accessibility. Proposals for virtual or hybrid events should address high-quality audio and video requirements and accessibility considerations such as captioning, language translation, and accommodations for disabled participants.