The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat comes today in a contest by The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.
The group will announce the winners of its statewide business plan competition virtually today. Entrepreneurs delivered their business pitches to volunteer judges. First place includes $50,000 for the best new company and $25,000 for the best concept.
Partnership spokesperson Miller Girvin said Alabama Launchpad contributes greatly to the growth of Alabama’s economy.
“The companies that have come out of Alabama Launchpad -- that have benefited from the program -- have created almost a thousand jobs. Those are real jobs. They are generally very good-paying jobs," she said. "While economic development can take a lot of forms, we want to make sure that we are focused on all of the above.”
Girvin said Alabama Launchpad gathers interest from out-of-state investors to support local businesses.
“I don’t think I would be alone in saying that a lot of people underestimate Alabama," she said. "Alabama Launchpad provides an opportunity for people to see some of the really strong talent that we have in the state, and hopefully it drives the creation of more jobs and more investment in our state.”
The winners will be announced tonight online at 7 p.m.