UAB Entrepreneurship Spring Showcase: A Celebration of Innovation and Collaboration

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The energy was unmistakable this week at the Collat School of Business, where the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) hosted its 2nd Annual UAB Entrepreneurship Spring Showcase. Organized by the Barefield Entrepreneurship Program, this vibrant event attracted over 50 local entrepreneurs and hundreds of students, creating a dynamic atmosphere filled with networking, innovation, and collaboration.

A Platform for Connection

The showcase served as a live platform for student entrepreneurs and community business leaders to connect with potential partners, customers, and even future employees. Dr. Patrick J. Murphy, the Goodrich Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at UAB, emphasized the event’s mission: to foster meaningful connections and real-world opportunities.

“Entrepreneurship is all about connections,” Dr. Murphy stated. “We are helping entrepreneurial ventures find the talent they need to hire. With 80% of jobs in the economy coming from the entrepreneurial sector, they’re always on the lookout for talent. Conversely, about 70% to 80% of our students aspire to work for entrepreneurial firms. By bringing these two sides together, we create numerous opportunities—benefiting both the community and the students.”

Showcasing Innovation

Inside UAB’s Collat School of Business, innovation took center stage. The event highlighted the power of collaboration and the crucial role UAB plays in nurturing entrepreneurial talent in the Birmingham area. Attendees were treated to student consulting project presentations, a keynote address by national entrepreneur Otis Leverett, and live demonstrations from local business owners.

One standout was Ricardo Mendoza, founder of “Morning Bites Catering, LLC.” Specializing in breakfast catering and handmade bread, Mendoza’s booth quickly became a popular stop for attendees. “I’m very passionate about the bread that I’m preparing every morning,” he shared. “I believe fewer ingredients are better, and fresh bread should be a must. People deserve to eat bread that’s delicious.”

From Passion to Business

Mendoza’s journey began with a quest for the perfect breakfast sandwich, which led him to start baking his own bread. Today, his creations are not only a staple in his catering business but also featured in local restaurants and markets. For Mendoza and many others, the Spring Showcase was more than just a networking event; it was a step toward expanding their businesses, building visibility, and forging partnerships that could fuel future growth.

The Spirit of Entrepreneurship

The 2025 showcase proved that Birmingham’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving, supported by a university deeply invested in innovation and impact. Dr. Murphy encapsulated the essence of entrepreneurship: “The life of an entrepreneur is all about problem-solving. You have to identify a problem in society or the economy before you can come up with an innovative solution. That’s what we teach here in the Barefield Entrepreneurship Program.”

Recognized as the top emerging program in the country in 2022, the Barefield program has raised approximately $7 million over the last four years. Its nontraditional approach to teaching students how to be problem solvers and make an impact while generating income is a testament to its success.

Conclusion

The UAB Entrepreneurship Spring Showcase was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Birmingham. As local entrepreneurs and students came together to share ideas and forge connections, it became clear that the future of entrepreneurship in the region is bright. With institutions like UAB leading the charge, the landscape for aspiring entrepreneurs is filled with promise and potential.

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This article captures the essence of the UAB Entrepreneurship Spring Showcase, highlighting its significance in fostering connections and nurturing entrepreneurial talent in Birmingham.