FLORENCE – Local startups are invited to compete for funds as the Shoals area will now host a regional challenge based on the successful statewide Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition. The winners could receive a share of $100,000.
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 University of North Alabama College of Business, the Shoals Chamber of Commerce and the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center, with supporting grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).
Giles McDaniel, Shoals Entrepreneurial Center
Giles McDaniel, executive director of the Shoals Entrepreneurial Center, said they received the ARC grant about two weeks ago, and they’re already putting it to use.
“We’re excited that the funds we received for Shoals Shift are already being used to help grow businesses and industry in our area,” said McDaniel. “This new Launchpad initiative is just another step in our ability to not only assist startups in the Shoals, but to also attract them to the area as well.”
Jim Byard Jr.
Jr., director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), said the collaboration and teamwork unfolding in The Shoals is inspiring to watch.
“Through the Alabama Research Alliance, the State has partnered for a decade with the Alabama Launchpad program,” Byard said. “We are so pleased to see The Shoals and Alabama Launchpad aligning resources for the benefit of entrepreneurs. The innovation occurring throughout Alabama is tremendous, and the State is supportive of this connectivity. We would like to see more of it.”
Alabama Launchpad invests in the development of early-stage Alabama startups and shines a light on innovative new companies. Interested participants go through a rigorous application process, which includes a video pitch and a business plan. Judges then select the startups to make live pitches for a share of finding.
Angela Wier, EDPA vice president
“This is an exciting new direction for Alabama Launchpad,” said Angela Wier, EDPA vice president. “As more and more communities embrace economic development strategies to support entrepreneurship, it is a natural evolution for EDPA to help communities build local feeders to the statewide programs. When the partners in The Shoals invited us to think with them on ways to align resources, processes and calendars, we had no idea how fast the team was prepared to move. We have been impressed by the communication, collaboration and planning among the partners, and we are humbled to have the opportunity to participate with and learn from The Shoals team.”
Dr. Ken Kitts, UNA
“Our College of Business has been instrumental in bringing these opportunities to the Shoals and to UNA,” said Dr. Kenneth Kitts, UNA president. “With events like Shoals Idea Audition, Shoals Big Idea Competition, 3 Day Startup and now Launchpad, we’re establishing this region and this University as a place to be for entrepreneurs, and that’s a win-win for everyone,” he said.
The Chamber will be the local contact point for Shoals Alabama Launchpad, according to Caitlin Holland, the chamber’s vice president, Investor Relations & Public Policy.
“Our board was very excited to support the program and knows how it can 
impact the future of the region,” Holland said.
Interested parties can go directly to the website at www.alabamalaunchpad.com/shoals or contact Holland at the 256-764-4661.
Anyone can apply for the regional competition, but the business has to be located in Lauderdale County or Colbert County. Winners from the Shoals Alabama Launchpad regional can also compete in Alabama Launchpad. Sponsors for Shoals Alabama Launchpad include the Anderson Family Foundation, Bank Independent and the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Payments in Lieu of Taxes for Colbert County.
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.
