Cynthia Crutchfield leads Alabama's first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation, with a mission to help innovators grow their roots. The Montgomery native may be at the peak of her career, but it's only the beginning of her time as CEO of Innovate Alabama.

Just one year later, Crutchfield and his team are less than a month away from launching the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which will provide Alabama with $98 million in funding for entrepreneurs and innovators. .

“SSBCI will provide more flexibility and create long-term momentum for states to recycle and reinvest evergreen funding streams.”

Crutchfield is changing the game for small business growth, opening the door to venture investment in the state, and ultimately building an ecosystem where all communities can reach their full economic potential. .

Crutchfield, himself a game changer, said of the state's momentum: “We're all coming together to 'plant roots in Alabama.'

This adage is spreading throughout the innovation community as supporters from government, business, and the nonprofit sector unite behind the unified vision of Innovate Alabama.

Ms. Crutchfield's ability to work with the great people of Alabama for the betterment of the people of Alabama makes her a 2024 Woman of Influence. Throughout her own career as an entrepreneur, Crutchfield has always made serving others her priority.

Prior to joining Innovate Alabama, Crutchfield founded Crutchfield Management Consulting, which serves minority founders in government. Additionally, she served as her COO for the real estate investment company The Crutchfield Company, which provided affordable housing to college students, veterans, and underprivileged families. Prior to that, Crutchfield spent more than 40 years successfully working in the federal market as a public servant and as a contractor in the private industry.

“Innovation is an opportunity to help our state grow, and we are still working toward the same goal of serving minority businesses,” Crutchfield's memo.

“I believe you don't do it alone.”

Crutchfield gave credit to those who have always surrounded her, saying, “It always comes back to my support team. No one understands this journey more than my family, especially my closest friends and family.”

In Alabama in particular, Crutchfield is inspired by the Innovate Alabama Board of Directors. She says they have “contributed to our success by empowering and trusting us.” It's always encouraging to know that they support what we're trying to do. ”

Crutchfield was also quick to emphasize “team innovation.” Whether it's with her employees or the expansion of the Innovate Alabama team, she credits her success to them being proactive about their priorities and the direction she envisioned and “believes we can achieve impactful results.” ”, she says, made this possible.

When asked to elaborate on what makes a good team, Crutchfield emphasized: trust. Trust is important, given that many of Innovate Alabama's functions are operated outside of the organization. EDPA, Kassouf, Peritus PR, and more all come back to our vision of planting roots in Alabama. Crutchfield's confidence in her team was replaced by the trust she was able to build with her board of directors, and as a result, the confidence that innovators and entrepreneurs have in Innovate Alabama continues to grow over the course of the 21-year competition. The goal was to build a knowledge-rich economy where people could participate.cent century.

When asked what it's specifically like to be a woman in the business world, Crutchfield emphasized what she sees as the unique qualities of women as unifiers. She says, “We are nurturers at heart, so we are able to create an environment where our team can thrive.”

“I also think we have a ‘never give up’ attitude.”

These qualities are not unique to women; they are qualities that make great leaders regardless of their gender.

Crutchfield shares her strategies for preparing and growing as a leader: I constantly engage with other leaders, men and women, from different markets. Collaboration and information exchange are very helpful. ” But she points out that the main key to growth lies in the team.

“The best feedback comes from listening to my team.” Whether it's tackling challenges or adhering to different preferences, “they help me build my leadership skills.”

What's next for Cynthia Crutchfield?

Crutchfield exclaimed, “I'm excited to engage with underserved rural communities, connect with students, the workforce, and more for future economic participation!”

After a long career of helping others, Crutchfield doesn't plan on slowing down anytime soon. Her voice as CEO of Innovate Alabama expands opportunities for everyone to build businesses in the state and propels Cynthia Crutchfield to her 2024 Women of Influence status .