As Alabama Launchpad enters its 15th year, the startup competition is making some changes to have even more of an impact on its participants.
In 2021, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama program will put more emphasis on mentoring Alabama’s entrepreneurs, whether or not they’re winners in the annual Launchpad competition.
All finalists in the competition will have advisors and presentation coaches, who will work with them on their final pitch in front of judges. Concept winners will receive $25,000 and seed-stage winners will receive $50,000.
“We are focused on helping Alabama entrepreneurs succeed — and we know that Alabama Launchpad has done that for 15 years,” said Miller Girvin, EDPA’s executive vice president of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. “We’re excited to build on that tradition and expand the support that our program offers to early-stage companies around the state. Entrepreneurs are problem-solvers and executers, but often a mentor or subject-matter expert can illuminate the path to success. We look forward to helping our innovators have access to those resources at a critical stage of their businesses.”
In its 15 years, Alabama Launchpad has awarded $5.6 million to 100 Alabama companies, including BLOX, Immediate and Acclinate Genetics.
Cycle 1 for 2021 kicks off on Feb. 1, with applications opening then at alabamalaunchpad.com.
