Bakery owner gets boost with loan from city of Birmingham

Organically Yours, a bakery shop, is set to open soon in the East Lake commercial district.

Founded by Antionette Neeley, the shop will create such organic treats as bread, rolls, cookies and trail mix. 

“The community is in need of healthy products and organic products,” Neeley said.

And the entrepreneur got a boost at a City Hall ceremony May 1 when she became the first recipient of a $75,000 loan from the city of Birmingham’s new Small Business Revolving Loan Fund. 

Nigel Roberts, the city’s director of community development, said this would allow Neeley to buy the equipment she needs to open. Her establishment can help revitalize long-dormant East Lake retail, according to Roberts.

Birmingham City Councilman Hunter Williams praised Neeley’s investment in East Lake. “What you’re doing is going to provide jobs,” he said.

Neeley said she hoped to open in June and would have five full- and part-time employees initially.

In addition to retail, Organically Yours will serve as a wholesale distribution site to send Neeley’s products to grocery stores, including Piggly Wiggly.