City Launches Tuscaloosa’s Business Opportunity Program

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa on Wednesday announced it had officially launched Tuscaloosa’s Business Opportunity Program (TBOP).

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“Tuscaloosa Builds was initiated by former Council President Harrison Taylor to manage funds received in the aftermath of the 2011 tornado,” Community Development Program Manager Caramyl Drake said. “Over the years, Tuscaloosa Builds evolved into a comprehensive business opportunity program, dedicated to disadvantaged business enterprises. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Tuscaloosa Builds, we are excited to announce an innovative relaunch known as Tuscaloosa’s Business Opportunity Program."

City officials say the program’s expanded scope and mission will include an information hub, continuous improvements to ensure the program is meeting the needs of the community and a network of community leaders to partner in opportunities across west Alabama.

“Tuscaloosa's Business Opportunity Program was created to help grow our business community,” Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said. “We know that entrepreneurship involves a great amount of risk. If you’re willing to take a risk, your City, through programs like TBOP, is going to be there to support you.”

The city says the focus of TBOP will consist of four main areas:

• An information hub for resources available to the community.
• Assessments and surveys to evaluate the business climate.
• A coalition titled Inclusive Multi-Industrial Partnerships Advancing Commerce in Tuscaloosa (IMPACT) to cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem to support Tuscaloosa’s business community.
• Support for business owners navigating city license processes, awareness of city contract opportunities and a place in a searchable database of local disadvantaged business enterprises.

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