Calling all entrepreneurs! Launch 2035, a regional partnership community in North Alabama, is hosting the first-ever Singing River Trail Launch Tank business competition. Residents of eight North Alabama counties are invited to enter—keep reading to learn more about the competition.

About the sponsor, Launch 2035

Haven’t heard of Launch 2035? You should! This regional partnership focuses on bringing economic development and regional prosperity to North Alabama through a number of collaborations and partnerships.

To bring that growth, Launch 2035 wants regional entrepreneurs to showcase their knowledge and business pitches in their first-ever Spring River Trail Launch Tank.

The Singing River Trail, in collaboration with Toni Eberhart of Urban Engine and John Joseph at the Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center, will host an eight-county regional business pitch competition for individuals and existing businesses that want to innovate, grow or expand an idea into a business reality

“Area entrepreneurs who dream big should start honing their pitch because this is your chance to get started on the next great business endeavor in North Alabama. This is your chance to be part of something bigger, something that makes a positive difference.”
John Kvach, Executive Director of Singing River Trail

What is the Singing River Trail?

A map of the trail. Photo via Launch 2035 Facebook

The Singing River Trail is North Alabama’s longest trail/greenway that will connect nine counties across the state. The trail will be over 200 miles long and will not only connect communities but promote active living for residents and spur further economic development for the region.

Wondering where the name The Singing River Trail came from? It honors the Yuchi Indian tribe, who lived along the Tennessee River and coined the body of water the “Singing River.” They believed a woman who lived in the river sang to them, thus the name.

Since the Singing River Trail is all about collaboration, they’re promoting individual entrepreneurialism and community enterprise along the entire greenway system. They’re encouraging businesses from all over North Alabama to get involved in the Launch Tank competition.

The Launch Tank

Openings In Huntsville / Launch Tank — Launch Tank prepares you for the best! Photo via Nathan Watson for the Bama Buzz

Singing River Trail Launch Tank is set up similarly to the popular reality TV show, Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs compete for financial support from a panel of investors.

Unlike Shark Tank, the Alabama competition will have multiple winners. Winners of the Launch Tank will receive up to $20K in cash, plus business coaching and exposure. The Finale event is happening on March 22, 2022, at Ingalls Harbor in Decatur, Alabama.

So who can compete? Any aspiring and existing businesses can compete in Alabama’s Singing River Trail Launch Tank. This opportunity includes these counties:

Jackson
Marshall
Madison
Limestone
Morgan
Lawrence
Lauderdale
Colbert

The Singing River Trail Launch Pad Presented by Launch 2035 is sponsored by global firm, Booz Allen Hamilton. Any business from the qualifing counties can participate, and who knows who could win. It could be a breakfast spot in Florence, a coffee shop in Tuscumba or a brewery in Courtland.” Whatever your trade, this is your chance to expand your business and acheive your dreams.

The Singing River Trail project and Launch Tank competition are made possible thanks to the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Shoals Business Incubator, Marshall County Economic Development Council and Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce.

Apply for your chance to win the Launch Tank today. For the application and more information go to their website or message them on Facebook. If you’re selected, you’ll be able to present live on March 22, 2022, to their panel of judges.

BONUS: Multimillion-dollar expansion project underway in Eufaula—details here.

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