Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Entrepreneurship topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
UAB's Barefield program and CARA launch Entrepreneur Lab collaboration to support local startups
Summary
Dr. Patrick J. Murphy of UAB described a new Entrepreneur Lab partnership with the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance to connect Barefield students with local entrepreneurs and strengthen Birmingham's startup ecosystem.
Dr. Patrick J. Murphy, entrepreneurship chair at UAB’s Collat School of Business, told the council about the Barefield Entrepreneurship Program and a new partnership with the Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) to operate an Entrepreneur Lab.
Murphy said the program places students with local entrepreneurs so learners gain practical experience while businesses receive human capital and networking resources. "We believe theory without practice is pointless and practice without theory is blind," he said, describing external engagements hosted at Innovation Depot and other local sites.
Murphy outlined program metrics, including rapid enrollment growth and nearly $7 million raised for programming and scholarships since the program launched, and said the Entrepreneur Lab aims to support entrepreneurs across Birmingham, provide internships and strengthen the city's small‑business ecosystem.
Councilors thanked Murphy and noted CARA's role in connecting entrepreneurs and buildings such as Innovation Depot as program sites. Murphy provided a contact email for follow‑up and pointed attendees to CARA's website for lab information.
