FLORENCE – The results are in, and the judges have named the eleven finalists for the fifth annual Singing River Trail Launch Tank competition, hosted by Launch Regional Partnership and Singing River Trail. The selected entrepreneurs, representing a range of industries and local communities, will take the stage at Singin’ River Live in Florence, Alabama, on April 21, 2026, to pitch their small businesses in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.
Meet the finalists:
- Anglr — Hayden Blakely, Florence
- BayleeCo — Baylee Corsbie, Muscle Shoals
- ConectaCore — Kaleigh Domingo, Fort Payne
- Gather & Grow Play Cafe — Jordan Eastman, Athens
- OptiLīf — Mandi Michelle Allen-Bell, MD, Scottsboro
- SetaTech USA Inc — Blair Blacker, Huntsville
- SkyFusion by Pyro Patriot — Bobby Hyde, Hartselle
- Smart Brick, LLC — Clint Carter, Tuscumbia
- The Cove: Center for Health & Hormones — Adrienne N. Garbarino, Huntsville
- The Walker Ranch — James Walker, Florence
- Valley Emergency Response Solutions, LLC — Harvey Hitt, Courtland
Now in its fifth year, Singing River Trail Launch Tank continues to serve as a catalyst for small business growth in the
Tennessee Valley. Competitors will vie for a share of $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, made possible through a partnership with Innovate Alabama.
“Reaching the fifth year of Singing River Trail Launch Tank is an exciting milestone because it reflects the growing momentum behind entrepreneurship in North Alabama,” said Misti Potter, Executive Director of Singing River Trail. “Through this competition, we’re able to support local entrepreneurs by connecting them with funding, resources, and valuable relationships that can help their businesses grow. When we invest in small businesses, we’re also investing in the strength of our workforce and the long-term success of our region.”
In addition to funding, finalists will receive tailored connections to mentorship and business support programs. By connecting entrepreneurs to capital, networks, and strategic support, the competition helps strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
“We are excited to bring Singing River Trail Launch Tank to the Shoals this year,” said Mary Marshall VanSant, Singing River Trail Launch Tank Co-Chair. “One of the most meaningful parts of this competition is how it brings communities across North Alabama together around a shared commitment to entrepreneurship. By supporting entrepreneurs from across the Tennessee Valley, this event helps strengthen the relationships and regional momentum that benefit all of North Alabama.”
Winners will be announced live at the event. The competition begins at 9:00 am and is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot to attend the event here.
Media Release/Kelly Richard/Singing River Trail Launch Tank
