Recap | 2026

Small Business Week 2026.

A week of convenings, awards, and momentum across Greater Birmingham.

Network Navigator Day signage at The Harbert Center, Birmingham.
347
People engaged across the week
152
Organizations represented
98
Small business owners
45
Capital Connect interest signals

Full methodology and geographic breakdown on NetworkNavigatorDay.com.

The week in photos

Moments from the room.

Mayoral panel discussion at Network Navigator Day.
Network Navigator Day leadership and partners on stage.
Small business owners in a working session.
Birmingham Public Library partnership reception.
Roundtable conversation at Auburn Birmingham.
Network Navigator Day welcome signage.

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The week

Five activations, one week.

Small Business Awards

Honoring the operators and teams shaping our community.

Mogul Mission Mondays

A recurring touchpoint for founders to connect, learn, and build momentum.

UAB Supplier Synergy Summit

Connecting small businesses with institutional procurement opportunities.

BPL Partnership Reception

Celebrating the library's role as a hub for entrepreneurs and learners.

Network Navigator Day

The flagship convening of entrepreneurs, partners, and civic leaders.

Speaker gallery

The voices that shaped the week.

Headshot of Antonio "Boz" Boswell
Antonio "Boz" Boswell
Headshot of Ashley Robinson
Ashley Robinson
Headshot of Cesily Means
Cesily Means
Headshot of Christina Renteria
Christina Renteria
Headshot of Claire Cole
Claire Cole
Headshot of Cody D.
Cody D.
Headshot of Dr. Angela Moore
Dr. Angela Moore
Headshot of Emory Mauldin
Emory Mauldin
Headshot of Jeremy Duckworth
Jeremy Duckworth
Headshot of Josh Sahib
Josh Sahib
Headshot of Keisha Lawson
Keisha Lawson
Headshot of Kimberly West
Kimberly West
Headshot of Marquis Hollingsworth
Marquis Hollingsworth
Headshot of Myeisha Hutchinson
Myeisha Hutchinson
Headshot of Robb Everett
Robb Everett
Headshot of Ryan Graham
Ryan Graham
Headshot of Trinity Hummons
Trinity Hummons

Small Business Awards 2026

Honoring the operators who carry Birmingham forward.

Legacy Leader of the Year

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Category Awards

Small Business of the Year

Pauline's Fine Cakes & Desserts

Rising Star Award

Parker's Craft Collective

Community Impact Award

Rooted Music Therapy

Innovation in Business Award

AutoTread LLC

Ecosystem Champion Award

Mogul Mission

Community Choice Award

AuxillioX

City Council District Honorees

One small business per Birmingham council district.

District 1

TC Counseling

District 3

Giuseppe's Cafe

District 4

Naughty but Nice

District 5

Alicia's Coffee

District 6

SLIDE Cafe

District 7

Nana's Sweet Spot

District 8

Shopping Plaza of the Heights

District 9

Ruth's Cafe

Voices from the week

In their own words.

"Real resources, real connections, real actionable items, immediate assistance to small business owners in need."
Tiffaney Strayhorne, CEO, Pauline's
"You brought bankers, entrepreneurs, business and genuine people together. The plenary, mayoral panel and breakout sessions were valuable."
Kristy Waldon Stewart, Synovus / Pinnacle Financial Partners
"The Small Business Awards brought together a room full of people committed to making a difference. Entrepreneurship is about so much more than business. It is about community."
Jai Jonae, Auxilio X, Community Choice Winner
"Network Navigator is not just a program, it is infrastructure for small business growth."
Jeremy Duckworth, Board Member
"Looking forward to year four. It is going to be amazing."
Christina Renteria, CLR Advising
"Network Navigator Day was about expanding your network so you can build a more profound net worth."
Wendy Crear, CEO, Le Muse Luxxe

The week was a moment. The platform is the movement.

Network Navigator is the year-round operating system that keeps the work going.