Applications due Friday for $60K P.R.O.P.E.L. pitch competition in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE – Time is running out for entrepreneurs hoping to compete for up to $60,000 in prize money at the inaugural P.R.O.P.E.L. Small Business & Entrepreneur Summit.

Applications for the summit’s high-stakes pitch competition are due Friday and organizers are urging innovators to apply before the deadline.

P.R.O.P.E.L., presented by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, will take place Oct. 28–29 at Stovehouse and is designed to connect startup founders, small business owners, investors, and industry partners from across North Alabama. The event will feature panel discussions, networking sessions, and keynote speakers — but the pitch competition is expected to be the centerpiece.

The categories:

• IdeaSTAGE – For North Alabama entrepreneurs and teams still exploring market problems and brainstorming solutions.
• NextSTAGE – For early startups with a viable business idea and prototype that need seed funding to scale.
• SolutionLAB/Mission Match – For startups with validated prototypes or growth-stage ventures ready to pitch directly to potential investors and customers (not eligible for award money).

Up to $60,000 will be awarded across the first two categories, giving early-stage founders a shot at critical funding and exposure. Applicants will be notified by October 14 if selected to pitch.

Even if not chosen, hopefuls can still register to attend P.R.O.P.E.L., which Chamber leaders describe as North Alabama’s premier small business and innovation summit.

P.R.O.P.E.L. is made possible by Innovate Alabama and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation, with support from UAH’s Invention to Innovation Center and Huntsville Utilities.

For more details or to submit an application, visit the Chamber’s P.R.O.P.E.L. page before Friday’s deadline.