Ten finalists will compete for $75,000 in Alabama Launchpad’s inaugural Social Impact competition in December.
The competition is designed to encourage entrepreneurs who are intent on making a positive impact on society through their for-profit startups.
The five concept stage finalists competing for $25,000 are:
Monthly: Monthly makes gender-inclusive, sustainable and price-accessible menstrual underwear for all people with a cycle. It is a social enterprise business that contributes a percentage of profits to charities fighting period poverty in the South.
Rachel Fry: Rachel Fry Consulting is focused on helping lawyers be successful. Through clinical psychology work with hundreds of lawyers, the company has identified “gap” areas and teaches essential tools needed to thrive in the legal profession.
Oasis: Oasis Family Birthing Center aims to reduce poor maternal health outcomes for low-income women and birthing people of color in Alabama by increasing access to comprehensive midwifery care.
OMNIS: OMNIS is a financial services app for the unbanked and underbanked to allow access to capital and building credit. The company is currently partnered with First Independence Bank, GreenWood, Regions, Wells Fargo and Bank of America, as well as with nonprofit, Care International.
Generational Systems: Gene-Sys is developing the world’s first metal 3D printer price so that even a private individual could own. While most metal printers are expensive, hazardous and difficult, the technology provides an affordable, safe and easy-to-use option for anyone to own and operate.
The five companies in the early-seed stage, who will be competing for $50,000, are:
Pearl’s LLC: Pearl’s has identified an effective way to train and employ a marginalized community: students with disabilities. Through its pop-up restaurant, which serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, Pearl’s is showcasing the results of its approach in workforce development.
Reboot Reforestation: Reboot Reforestation uses drones to plant trees, deliver herbicide and monitor ecosystems faster, more affordably and with less labor than its competitors. The company uses drones to deliver proprietary seedballs to plant longleaf pine trees in restoration areas.
Smart Solutions: Smart Solutions promotes independent living using smart home technology, creating a pathway to autonomy or individuals with disabilities.
VB Ideas: SCHOOLS provides coaching and a roadmap to success in ACT and SAT scores, so each person can achieve the level they need to pursue the goals they desire.
Kaya: Kaya is building the next generation of workplace mental health culture, improving access to group care that is more accessible, affordable and inclusive.
