Birmingham, AL – Robert Hill has been a custom tailor in Birmingham since August 3, 1983. He got his start because it was difficult to find clothing that fit his 5’5” frame and 28-inch waist. More than 40 years later, his roster of clients has included waists of all sizes; from that of former Alabama Football Coach Gene Stallings to former Mayor Richard Arrington as well as countless professional athletes, TV personalities, and the like.

Known for his meticulous work and spotless shop, Hill could often be seen proudly sweeping the sidewalks and blowing away leaves in front of his Third Avenue North business. But last year, his needles and thread could not mend what threatened to tear away the future of his business. The building that housed his shop was sold and the new rent was priced well out of his reach. He was left to try to find a new location and feared that he would have to close up his shop for good.

“But I am a religious man,” he said, “so I prayed.”

Hill heard about a City of Birmingham program designed to help small businesses. And for him, it was an answer to prayer.

The City of Birmingham’s RISE initiative establishes two funds with the purpose of providing resources for area businesses. It stands for Retention Incentives for Success and Expansion and was established in March 2022. One facet is a cash incentive fund, and the other is a revolving loan fund. Both are intended to support the growth and retention of Birmingham-based businesses.

“Beyond all of the many roles city governments play, a significant one is as a ‘gap filler,’ an intermediary to opportunities and for resources,” said Cornell Wesley, director of Innovation and Economic Opportunity. “This ordinance was developed to fill in the gap in a conservative lending environment where local businesses have had difficulty assessing capital to scale.”

Businesses will be eligible for these monies if they are retaining and expanding their employee base and operating within the city of Birmingham. New startups are also eligible if they create at least five full-time jobs. And you don’t have to be perfect, Wesley said.

“The structure of RISE is such that a declination, past mistakes, debts, or any other encumbrance will not prevent you from accessing this tool.”

Hill applied and was awarded $17,250. That helped him move to his new Southside location. Inside, he beams. There is a wall of perfectly pleated shirts, pocket squares, and belts. The hum of sewing machines fills the air as several staffers are busy near the backdrop of colorful spools of thread.

He watched as COVID-19 meant the end for many small businesses. “I am blessed to be in business and I thank the city,” he said. “RISE has been a tremendous help. We need that; especially small businesses.”

Other businesses supported have been Bridge and Root ($15,000), Acclinate ($30,000), Bodega on 5th ($20,000), and Kuntry Kitchen (which has been presented before a committee and is in the process of going before the Birmingham City Council for $15,000).

“My hope is that as our program grows and we take on more risk that you will know that it was done in a spirit of inclusion, of opportunity, and with the utmost care in mind,” Wesley said.  “This administration and this department will continue to champion those results and will unapologetically bet on our businesses. Why? Because public service demands it.”

For details about RISE and information on how to apply, go here.