Singing River Trail and Launch Regional Partnership have announced the 11 finalists for the fifth annual Singing River Trail Launch Tank competition, spotlighting entrepreneurs from across North Alabama.
The finalists will present their business ideas April 21 at Singin’ River Live in Florence, pitching to a panel of judges and a live audience for a share of $25,000 in non-dilutive funding. The funding is made possible through a partnership with Innovate Alabama.
This year’s finalists represent a wide range of industries and communities across the Tennessee Valley:
- Anglr — Hayden Blakely, Florence
- BayleeCo — Baylee Corsbie, Muscle Shoals
- ConectaCore — Kaleigh Domingo, Fort Payne
- Gather & Grow Play Cafe — Jordan Eastman, Athens
- OptiLīf — Dr. Mandi Michelle Allen-Bell, 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, the Launch Tank competition has become a key driver of small business growth and innovation in North Alabama, organizers said.
“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 competing for funding, finalists will receive access to mentorship opportunities, business development resources and expanded professional networks aimed at helping them scale their ventures.
Mary Marshall VanSant, co-chair of the Launch Tank, said hosting the event in the Shoals region highlights the collaborative nature of the initiative.
“We are excited to bring Singing River Trail Launch Tank to the Shoals this year,” VanSant said. “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.”
The competition begins at 9 a.m. and is free and open to the public, with winners announced live at the conclusion of the event.
Organizers say the program continues to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem by connecting entrepreneurs to capital, mentorship and strategic support, reinforcing North Alabama’s growing reputation as a hub for small business development and economic opportunity.
