MOORESVILLE – Call it an entrepreneur audition.
Launch, in partnership with the Singing River Trail, is accepting applications for the 2024 Launch Tank competition to be held at the Space Camp Operations Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
“We are thrilled for the third Launch Tank competition,” said John Kvach, executive director of the Singing River Trail. “Like our previous finalists, this is your opportunity to contribute to something greater and create a positive impact in our community.
“Our vision goes beyond the competition. We want to connect as many entrepreneurs to the Singing River Trail as possible, making North Alabama a better place to live, work, and play.”
The Launch Tank is a unique opportunity for regional entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas in a “Shark Tank”-style event. The competition aims to connect aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with valuable resources and provide up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding for the winners.
“The Singing River Trail Launch Tank exemplifies the strength of regional collaboration,” Lisa Mays, Launch Tank co-chair, said when announcing details last month. “Through this event, we’re not just supporting entrepreneurs; we’re empowering them to help shape the future of North Alabama.”
Launch Tank:
- Applications will be accepted until March 31
- Finalists will be announced April 12
- Live pitching event April 29 at the Space Camp Operations Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The competition is open to residents of the eight counties encompassed by the Singing River Trail footprint: Jackson, Marshall, Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Lawrence, Lauderdale and Colbert counties.
“North Alabama isn’t just a place on the map,” said Co-chair Michelle Epling. “It’s a shared vision. The collective support offered through the Launch Tank competition is a differentiator in driving our community’s growth and innovation.”
For information and to apply, click here.
Last year’s winner, Rocket City Electric Bike Rentals, received the grand prize of $5,000. The other prize-winners were Fow Wow Designs (second place, $4,000); Black Kids Adventures (third, $3,000); River Elf (fourth, $2,500); Be Gathered Rentals (fifth, $2,000); Ride Resorts Benefit (sixth, $1,500),; Greene Books (seventh, $1,000) and InTerra LLC (eighth, $1,000).
Launch is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working to strengthen the North Alabama region through entrepreneurship, land use, and workforce initiatives. Created in 2014, the non-profit is united by the belief that our region’s prosperity depends on North Alabama counties working and planning together, committed to fostering regional economic growth and an enviable quality of life for all our residents.
Established in 2018, Singing River Trail is a 200-plus-mile greenway system that strengthens regional bonds and creates new health and wellness, educational, economic, tourism, and entrepreneurial opportunities for the people and communities in the Tennessee Valley.
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