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Singing River Trail Launch Tank

The Singing River Trail Launch Tank is a “Shark Tank” style competition offering prizes and recognition for talented entrepreneurs from nine counties across North Alabama.

Launch Regional Partnership, in collaboration with Singing River Trail, hosts the annual Singing River Trail Launch Tank competition.  Through this event, North Alabama entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas live to hundreds of business leaders, public officials, and people in the community. Finalists receive non-dilutive funding and direct introductions to programs and resources tailored to support their business needs.

April 21, 2026

Singin’ River Live in Florence, Alabama

Key Dates 2026:

  • January 12 – Applications Open
  • February 1 – Event Registration Opens (Only 200 spots available)
  • March 22 – Applications Close
  • April 7 – SRT Launch Tank Finalists Announced
  • April 21 – SRT Launch Tank Event at Singing River Live (Florence, AL)

Are you eligible?

Applicants must live and/or work in one of North Alabama’s nine counties: Colbert, DeKalb, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties.

How to Attend the Event

Are you interested in witnessing North Alabama’s brightest entrepreneurs pitch their game-changing ideas to our panel of judges? Be inspired and connect with innovators at Launch Tank 2026. The event will take place on April 21, 2026 at Singin’ River Live in Florence, Alabama.

Secure your spot

Success Stories

Since 2022, Singing River Trail Launch Tank has helped make small business owners’ dreams come true.

Check My Spot

Check My Spot, based in Florence, Alabama, is revolutionizing skin health by making early detection of skin cancer more accessible. Founded by Launch Tank finalists Elizabeth and Michael, the company offers a web and app-based teledermatology screening service that allows users to submit photos of suspicious skin lesions and receive evaluations from board-certified dermatologists within 24-48 hours. Their innovation proves that with the right resources, groundbreaking ideas can thrive.
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Flirty Flame Candle Company

Flirty Flame Candle Co. LLC is a minority, woman-owned business in Limestone County, Alabama, specializing in high-quality scented products designed to help people unwind. Founded by Sherry Jefferson, the company gained recognition after winning first place in the 2024 Launch Tank competition and has been growing ever since.
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Huntsville Magazine

Huntsville Magazine, representing Madison County, is an award-winning quarterly publication available in both print and digital formats. Founded by SRT Launch Tank finalist Takara Swoopes, the magazine captures the vibrant spirit of Huntsville, highlighting its culture, creativity, and energy.Huntsville Magazine connects readers to the heart of the Rocket City and inspires them to explore everything the community has to offer.
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Get in Touch

County Coordinators

County Coordinators are volunteers who support entrepreneurship across North Alabama. They serve as local points of contact for the 2026 Singing River Trail Launch Tank competition. Exploring an idea, preparing to apply, or just want to learn more? Find your county below to connect directly with the coordinator serving your area.

Mary Marshall VanSant
Colbert County
Lydia Pennington
Jackson County
Giles McDaniel
Lauderdale County
Wendy Norwood
Lawrence County
Pammie Jimmar
Limestone County
Austin Goble
Madison County
Jennifer Amos
Marshall County
Cole Blevins
Morgan County
Jennifer McCurdy
DeKalb County

Partner Contacts

Our Singing River Trail Launch Tank partners help lead event planning, program strategy, and regional coordination for the competition. If you have general questions, need guidance beyond your county, or are looking for information about partnerships, sponsorships, or program operations, this team can help point you in the right direction.

Andrew Dollar
SRT Launch Tank Operations
Toni Eberhart
Launch E-Pillar Co-Chair
John Joseph
Launch E-Pillar Co-Chair
Jim Page
Launch Regional Partnership
Misti Potter
Singing River Trail

Launch Tank Q&A

What is the Singing River Trail Launch Tank?
The Singing River Trail (SRT) Launch Tank is a “Shark Tank”-style competition to showcase entrepreneurs and small businesses from across North Alabama. Participants apply for the competition and the finalists are invited to pitch their business ideas live to an audience of business leaders, public officials, and community members for a chance to win funding and support.
Who can apply?
Applicants must live and/or work in one of North Alabama’s nine counties: Colbert, DeKalb, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, or Morgan counties. Both current and aspiring entrepreneurs are eligible.
When is the deadline for applications?
The deadline to apply is March 22, 2026.
What does the winner receive?
Winners may receive up to $25,000 in cash. In addition to the funding, winners will gain valuable resources and connections tailored to their business needs. They will be introduced to experts and mentors who can guide them in areas such as marketing, sales, and strategies for business growth.
How will my application be judged? 
Judges from across North Alabama will score your application on a variety of criteria that may include business viability, sustainability, innovation, and impact on the region. Applicants are encouraged to submit supporting documentation such as a business plan or presentation to better describe the idea/business.
When will I hear about the next steps?  
All applicants will learn of their status no later than April 7, 2026. Finalists will be invited to a Zoom call the following week to discuss the event logistics. The Finalists will also receive pitch coaching at a training session the week before the final event.
What is the format of the competition?
Modeled after the popular reality TV show Shark Tank, the competition allows finalists to deliver live pitches to a panel of local judges in front of a live audience. Finalists will receive guidance and support ahead of the competition to help them prepare and refine their presentations for the big event.
Can I attend the live event? 

Yes, the event is free and open to the public. To reserve a spot to watch the live pitches, click here.

Who are past winners, and what have they achieved? 

The Launch Tank competition provides funding and connects entrepreneurs to a network of mentors, innovators, and community leaders. Past winners have used the platform to grow their businesses and contribute to the community.

  • 2024 Competition:
    • The grand prize winner, Flirty Flame Candle Co., founded by Sherry Jefferson of Limestone County, impressed judges with her unique candle creations. In addition to winning the top cash prize, Jefferson received entrepreneurial training to develop her business further.
    • Finalists Michael and Elizabeth Webb pitched a mobile skin cancer evaluation program called Check My Spot, which they initially tested with students at Oakwood University. They utilized the exposure from the competition to further collaborate with local businesses.
  • 2023 Competition:
    • Rocket City Electric Bike Rentals took home the grand prize of $5,000 for their user-friendly electric bike rental service aimed at city exploration, commuting, and recreation. Founders Nathan Tucker and Ash Moorer plan to expand their business by introducing bike hubs along the Singing River Trail.
    • Other finalists also made significant strides, such as:
      • Fow Wow Designs ($4,000) for their quirky T-shirt designs.
      • Black Kids Adventures ($3,000) for promoting outdoor experiences for children of color.
      • River Elf ($2,500) for developing eco-friendly composite materials for kayaks.

Winners have gone on to compete in statewide competitions, securing additional funds and resources to support their business growth.

SRT Launch Tank Sponsors