Ideas launched, Flirty Flame Candle heats up Launch Tank competition

HUNTSVILLE – A candle company lit a fire under judges and came away the winner in this year’s Singing River Trail Launch Tank competition.

Flirty Flame Candle came out on top Monday among 12 entrepreneurs who showcased their business ideas in the Shark Tank-style event. The finalists competed for access to valuable business resources, consulting services, and non-dilutive funding.

The Singing River Trail, Innovate Alabama and Launch hosted the competition at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s Space Camp Operations Center.

“We enjoy seeing small businesses grow through this competition and take pride in our role helping to nurture North Alabama’s entrepreneurial community,” said John Kvach, executive director of the Singing River Trail. “Being part of the Singing River Trail family means not only contributing to something great but also being a vital part of connecting our communities.”

The finalists, in order, were:

1. Flirty Flame Candle
2. Huntsville Magazine
3. CheckMySpot
4. Coffee Break
5. Oak Queen Co.
6. Zone Protects
7. The Red Barn Orchard
8. Our Town Co.
9. ETHAR
10. Pathways K12
11. Progressive Rural Opportunities
12. Studio Polycraft

While Flirty Flame Candle came away the winner, every finalist went home with some amount of non-dilutive funding.

There were 48 applications from eight counties representing tech startups, nonprofits, retailers, and food & beverage businesses.

“These finalists are exceptional, and we are excited to help them perfect their pitches leading up to the competition,” said Michelle Epling, Launch Tank co-chair. “Their impact on North Alabama is bound to be profound.”

The finalists represented the counties they live and work in: Jackson, Marshall, Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Lawrence, Lauderdale, and Colbert counties.

“This group of entrepreneurs is truly impressive,” said Lisa Mays, Launch Tank co-chair. “We are eager for the community to hear what these entrepreneurs have to share with our communities.”