TUSCUMBIA– Five local startups will compete on Tuesday, February 21st for a share of $100,000 in funds at the Shoals Alabama Launchpad startup competition. The Finale, located at Gas Design Center on 6th Street in Tuscumbia, will begin at 4:00 PM with winners announced at 7:30 PM.
Eight innovative teams went through a rigorous application process, which included a video pitch and a business plan, in order to move ahead to the semi-final competition. Of those eight competitors, the judges chose five to move on to the finale: Alchemy, LUXE BRAND, nSide, Southern Swaddle, and Sycamore Physician Contracting. Tomorrow, these teams will make an eight-minute pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to win a share of $100,000 in available grants.
Shoals Alabama Launchpad is based on the successful statewide Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition. The Shoals area is the first regional site for Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) started in 2006. The regional startup challenge arises from a partnership among the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, the University of North Alabama College of Business and the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center, with supporting grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
More than one team can receive a share of the $100k in prize money, based on a general consensus from the judges. In order to receive prize money, winning teams must commit to headquarter their business in the Shoals area for a minimum of five years. Winners from the Shoals Alabama Launchpad regional can also compete in Alabama Launchpad. Sponsors for Shoals Alabama Launchpad include Alabama Launchpad, a program of EDPA, the Anderson Family Foundation, Appalachian Regional Commission, Bank Independent, Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, Rep. Marcel Black, Sen. Larry Stutts, and the Shoals Chamber of Commerce.
About Alabama Launchpad
Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, helps high growth companies start, stay and grow in Alabama, while supporting, advocating, and recognizing entrepreneurship statewide. Started in 2006, Alabama Launchpad encourages innovation and job growth in the state through startup competitions, federal grant writing workshops, the Alabama Innovation Awards, and the annual Alabama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference.
About The Shoals Alabama Launchpad
The Shoals Alabama Launchpad is a partnership of University of North Alabama College of Business, the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center and Alabama Launchpad. Shoals Alabama Launchpad helps entrepreneurs and businesses in the Shoals through funding, startup competitions, resources and more. The Shoals Alabama Launchpad helps companies start, stay and grow in the Shoals region, while supporting, advocating and recognizing entrepreneurship locally and statewide.
5 FINALISTS.
THE SHOALS 8 MINUTE
PRESENTATION.
$100,000
ON THE LINE.
Alchemy is a jewelry sealer that protects your skin from discoloration and irritation and protects your jewelry from tarnishing.
LUXE-BRAND represents luxury leather shoelaces at their most refined, with an enduring dedication to unrivaled craftsmanship. nSide offers the world’s first fully collaborative, building interior, and Southern Swaddle makes innovative infant products that lower the
Sycamore Physician Contracting is an open marketplace for phy-
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
4:00 Welcome – Greg Sheek (Alabama Launchpad)
4:05 Opening Remarks – Dr. Santanu Borah (UNA); Mayor Kerry Underwood (Tuscumbia);
Dr. Ken Kitts (UNA); Andy Mann (Shoals Chamber of Commerce); Giles McDaniel (Shoals Entrepreneurial Center)
4:20 Presentation #1
4:45 Presentation #2
5:10 Presentation #3
5:35 Presentation #4
6:00 Presentation #5
6:20 Networking/Expo/Judges’ Deliberation
7:20 Closing Remarks – Dr. Greg Carnes (UNA)
7:30 Presentation of Awards – Caitlin Holland (Shoals Chamber of Commerce)
Thank you to our generous sponsors who made Shoals Alabama Launchpad possible:
- Alabama Launchpad, a program of EDPA
- Anderson Family Foundation
- Appalachian Regional Commission
- Bank Independent
- Johnny Mack Morrow, Rep. Marcel Black, and Senator Larry Stutts
- The Shoals Chamber of Commerce
Media Release/Caitlin Holland
Vice President, Investor Relations & Public Policy
Shoals Chamber of Commerce
