How Singing River Trail is Changing the Lives of North Alabama Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurial Opportunities on the Trail

In North Alabama, the Singing River Trail is bringing more than scenic greenery and a sense of community. It is opening up a myriad of opportunities for local entrepreneurs through its innovative Launch Tank competition. This Shark Tank-style contest allows participants to live-pitch their business ideas to a diverse audience, offering non-dilutive funding and program support to the finalists.

Meet the Trailblazers

Sherry Jefferson, Flirty Flame Candle Co.

Sherry Jefferson, owner of Flirty Flame Candle Co and winner of the recent Launch Tank competition, is a prime example. Jefferson, who started her candle-making business due to a fondness for scents and their association with memories, pitched her mobile candle bar at the competition, and came out a winner.

“Fragrances have a way of bringing back special memories from the past,” Jefferson explains. The investment she received from winning the competition not only improved her business equipment, but also amplified her network and made her a well-known figure in her local community.

Tiffany Kirby, Oak Queen Co.

Another finalist who made an impact is Tiffany Kirby, owner of Oak Queen Co., which specializes in resin jewelry. What distinguishes Kirby’s business is that all her pieces are made from foraged natural elements. Following her success in the contest, she put her prize money to good use by investing in equipment to improve the quality of her pieces.

“The Launch Tank really highlighted the community-building aspect of what we do. You have to market your business and make those connections. You can’t do it by yourself,” says Kirby.

Nathan Tucker, Rocket City eBikes

Nathan Tucker co-founded Rocket City eBikes, a business that started with the simple idea of renting electric bikes but has now expanded into selling them and offering custom tours and team-building activities. With the prize money and networking opportunities he gained from the Launch Tank, he has significantly grown his business and was even given the opportunity to present to the 2024 Launch Tank contestants.

“Anyone who has started a small business understands things that no one else understands. It puts us in an exclusive club with each other. It’s us who truly builds the character and personality of a city — and it’s us who drives more localized economic growth. It’s something we’re really proud of,” says Tucker.

This is Just the Beginning

These are merely three examples of the many lives and businesses that have been transformed by the Singing River Trail and its Launch Tank competition. The ultimate goal is to cultivate North Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and enrich the lives its residents. The impact being made is evident and is sure to grow with each subsequent contest as more and more individuals are empowered to launch and grow their businesses.