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

    The Growth Lab Experience™ is an entrepreneur development lab for established entrepreneurs in North Birmingham, Northside, Pratt and Smithfield who are ready to grow beyond their own capacity.You may qualify if you have:✓ 2+ years in business✓ $50,000 or more in annual revenue✓ 0 to 7 employees and are looking to grow your team✓ Openness to integrating business-based tools, including AIPlease answer every question honestly and completely. Your privacy is important to us. All information is confidential and used only for program selection and Recompete grant reporting.Applications close Friday, Sept. 18. Selections are made Sept. 21, with notifications to follow.Questions? Contact us at support@peopleoptimum.com.Produced by People Optimum Consulting in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Center for Growth and Excellence. Funded by the Recompete Pilot Program via the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

  • 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: