theGROWTHLAB logo is pictured as one word. the fonts are different and "the" is in navy blue; "GROWTH" is turquoise; and "LAB" is gold.

  • Welcome to The Growth Lab Experience

    You have built something real. You have been running your business alone, generating real revenue, and showing up every day without a team, a playbook, or a program designed for someone at your level. This application is your first step toward changing that. The Growth Lab is a six-month entrepreneur development lab for established solo entrepreneurs in North Birmingham, Northside, Pratt, and Smithfield who are ready to add their first W-2 employee and build the systems to scale beyond solo. The cohort is limited to 10 to 12 participants. •  Please answer every question honestly and completely. Your privacy is important to us. Please note that all information is confidential and used only for program selection and Recompete grant reporting. Applications are reviewed the week of June 4. Acceptance notifications go out June 7. •  Questions? Contact us at support@peopleoptimum.com.

  • Business Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • How many people currently work in the business, including yourself?*

  • Eligibility Questions

  • Does your business operate in North Birmingham, Pratt, Smithfield, or Northside?*
  • How long has the business been operating full-time?*
  • What was your business revenue in the last 12 months?*
  • This program is designed to support you in adding a W2 employee. Are you interested in becoming a W2 employer within the next 9-12 months?*

  • Program Fit

  • Are you using or exploring the use of AI tools to support your business?*
  • Household income*
  • Please check the boxes below to confirm that you can commit to the fully participating in program activities*

  • Acknowledgment and Consent

  • Demographics

    Federal reporting notice: The following questions are for federal reporting purposes under the Recompete Pilot Program. Your responses are confidential and are never used in selection decisions.
  • Gender identity*
  • Race/ethnicity*
  • Disability status*
  • Veteran status*
  • Should be Empty: