News Summary
Emondre Johnson, owner of The Bark Park, has seen significant growth in his dog care business following his victory at the Birmingham Small Business Week Pitch Competition in 2023. The competition has provided him with vital resources and increased visibility, which has allowed him to offer a variety of services for dogs, including daycare and grooming. Johnson’s commitment to uplifting the community and promoting diversity in entrepreneurship mirrors the broader goal of supporting small businesses in Birmingham through innovative programs and funding opportunities.
Birmingham, Alabama – Emondre Johnson, owner of The Bark Park, has experienced a remarkable boost in his dog care business following his recent victory at the Birmingham Small Business Week Pitch Competition in 2023. Johnson credits the prestigious competition for significantly altering the trajectory of his business, which offers a variety of services including dog day care, overnight boarding, professional grooming, pet photography, and a private indoor dog park.
The annual Birmingham Small Business Week, which runs from May 4-10, features 15 events designed to support local entrepreneurs. The pitch competition began in 2020 as three virtual events and has since expanded to include numerous specialized sessions focused on economic mobility and community development.
According to the director of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, small businesses play a vital role in job creation and economic growth within the community. Johnson, at the young age of 26, feels that he has been preparing for this entrepreneurial journey throughout his life, thanks to his upbringing in a single-parent household in East Lake.
Despite developing an early interest in animals—particularly dogs and reptiles—Johnson initially believed that becoming a veterinarian was his only career option. During his teenage years, he gained experience interning at various animal clinics but eventually decided against pursuing veterinary medicine. After graduating from high school in 2016, he earned a degree in animal science from Alabama A&M University in 2020.
Johnson is deeply committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals in similar fields, using his platform to encourage others. Since his participation in the Birmingham Small Business Week, he has seen firsthand the positive impacts it can have on local businesses. Previous participants of the competition, such as Jeddie Carnes from GLAAM Cosmetics, have successfully launched new products following their wins.
The Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity (IEO) has developed various programs to enhance the economic growth of small businesses in Birmingham. For example, the VITAL program promotes historically underutilized businesses in city contracting. Meanwhile, the RISE program offers cash incentives designed for local businesses to expand their operations.
To further exemplify the community support, more than 3,000 small businesses have benefited from the Building Opportunities for Lasting Development funding program, allowing them to access over $2.4 million in funding. In addition, technical assistance exceeding $25,000 has been provided to equip these businesses with essential skills for survival and growth.
Moreover, JPMorgan Chase has announced a $2 million commitment aimed at assisting Alabama’s small businesses by improving access to capital and technical assistance via the Alabama Capital Access Collaborative. This initiative seeks to help local companies such as the Birmingham Business Resource Center (BBRC) and Urban Impact obtain valuable resources to thrive in the market.
Chase has plans to triple its branch presence in Alabama and hire 170 additional bankers by 2030, which will further enhance access to financial services for local businesses. The emphasis on investing in small businesses is considered essential for fostering stronger communities and driving local economic growth.
As Johnson continues to grow The Bark Park, he remains focused on his mission of providing quality care for dogs while uplifting his community and promoting diversity in entrepreneurship.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Bham Now: Birmingham is a Magnet for Small Business Success
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Alabama News Center: Birmingham’s Small Business Week Supports Local Entrepreneurs
- Google Search: Birmingham Small Business Week
- Birmingham Times: JPMorgan Chase Commits $2 Million to Small Businesses
- Google Scholar: Small Business Growth Birmingham
- The Bama Buzz: Alabama Cities Ranked for Small Business Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- ABC3340: Birmingham Business Owner Braces for Tariffs Impact
- Google News: Birmingham Small Business
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
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