COVID-19, AKA the novel coronavirus, has us buying all the hand sanitizer and hunkering down – but our city’s entrepreneurs are stepping up to what is also a challenge for local small businesses.
“We are adjusting hour by hour day by day,” said Meredith Calhoun of Practice Works, a wellness coworking space. “Most of our wellness practitioners are significantly impacted by not being able to be face to face with their clients.”
Birmingham’s small businesses are using daring problem-solving to roll with the punches and find new ways to serve their customer base in these weird times.
Here’s how some of REV partners and clients have adjusted their business hours and business models to keep both customers and employees safe.
Restaurants offering curbside pick-up
Fitness classes going remote
Several local studios are finding ways to help Birminghamians break a sweat, even if that means virtually. Studios such as Battle Republic and True40 are hosting online classes starting this week. Ignite Cycle, whose business model is based on riders working out in-studio, is hosting FREE online dance parties throughout the week and on Saturday. Practice Works is in the process of recording content to post on Facebook for group classes such as yoga, Tai chi and meditation. Retail items are also still available online.
Contact-free produce pick-up
With supplies dwindling in some grocery store chains, Big Pitch finalist Blueroot Co. is doing what they can to help people stock their fridge with items such as grilled proteins, grains, oats, roasted vegetables, salad dressings, snacks and eggs. Customers can also take advantage of contact-free pick-up locations. Visit bluerootco.com for more information.
Crowd-funding to keep employees afloat
Domestique has closed all of its locations until further notice in the face of COVID-19, but its roasting facility remains open to fulfill online orders. What’s more, is that the company is launching a Founder’s Card. The proceeds of the card go to helping out cafe employes until business resumes as usual. Visit domestiquecoffee.com for more information on you can help out, too.
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The Big Pitch contestants: where are they now?
Filed Under: Big Pitch, Front Page, Small Business, Uncategorized
If you’ve been following REV for a while, you probably remember The Big Pitch Competitions we used to hold back in the day. The Big Pitch presented by PNC was essentially our own little version of Shark Tank. And a lot of your favorite local businesses that participated in this competition now have active retail storefronts that you can go check out. Let’s start with some of our finalists that are based in the City of Birmingham and see what they’ve been up to!
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The Big Pitch contestants: where are they now?
Filed Under: Big Pitch, Front Page, Small Business, Uncategorized
If you’ve been following REV for a while, you probably remember The Big Pitch Competitions we used to hold back in the day. The Big Pitch presented by PNC was essentially our own little version of Shark Tank. And a lot of your favorite local businesses that participated in this competition now have active retail storefronts that you can go check out. Let’s start with some of our finalists that are based in the City of Birmingham and see what they’ve been up to!
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Downtown Birmingham's latest development is proof that small buildings can have big impacts too!
Filed Under: Developer, Downtown Birmingham, Filling Vacant Spaces, Front Page, Potential-Proving, Uncategorized
Have you been to Downtown Birmingham’s newest development located on 25th Street? If not, you need to head down there ASAP and check it out! This new single story development is a product of a collaboration between David Baker Architects (DBA) and Locke General Contractors, led by DBA’s very own Amanda Loper. It is intended to be a “collaborative commercial space in a catalyst development area of Birmingham.” Both DBA and Locke General Contractors will be tenants of the space, along with June Coffee Roasters, Zephyr Barber, and Last Call Baking Cooperative!
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The music scene in downtown Birmingham is booming!
Filed Under: Downtown Birmingham, Events, Front Page, Uncategorized
One of Birmingham’s many hidden treasures is the music scene downtown. The sheer volume of concert venues we have in downtown Birmingham is something most people aren’t even aware of – but it really is remarkable! There is truly something for everyone, whether you’re into the smaller, more intimate venues or the large-scale venues for those big name artists. Keep reading to check out some of the cool venues downtown Birmingham has to offer.