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 is partnering with Singing River Trail to present the fourth annual SRT Launch Tank competition. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas live to hundreds of business leaders, public officials, and the people in the community. Finalists will receive non-dilutive funding and direct introductions to programs and resources tailored to support their business needs.
UP TO $25,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES AVAILABLE TO THE WINNERS
Key Dates 2025:
January 15 – Applications Open
March 23 – Applications Close
April 2 – Launch Tank Finalists Announced
April 23 – SRT Launch Tank Event at the Scottsboro Civic Center
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 Apply
Please complete the quick application by clicking on the “Click Here to Apply” button in this section. If selected as a finalist, you will present live on April 23, 2025, at the Scottsboro Civic Center in Scottsboro, AL. Winners will be chosen and announced at the competition. Current and potential entrepreneurs are eligible. Thank you for your consideration!
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 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All applicants will learn of their status no later than April 2, 2025. 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.
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.
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.
