SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Twenty local entrepreneurs will share their business concepts next week as part of the gALPHA earth Winter 2026 showcase, “The First Pitch.”
The event is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Sylacauga City Schools Board of Education.
Hosted by nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor in partnership with the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE), the East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub (EARTH), and the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, the showcase marks the culmination of a free, four-week entrepreneurial program designed to help participants turn ideas into action.
The gALPHA earth program began Tuesday, Jan. 27 with 20 founders representing 17 companies from Sylacauga, Childersburg, and Birmingham. Participants explored topics including building a business plan, marketing, customer discovery, and developing a pitch. The cohort also took part in workshops and received one-on-one coaching and mentorship throughout the program.
Organizers said the showcase serves as a “graduation” for the founders, who will present their business ideas to an audience of peers, family members, friends, and community leaders.
“As our first cohort comes to a close, we have proof that great ideas don’t discriminate geographically,” said Tim Crist, program manager of gALPHA earth. “This group of entrepreneurs is just the tip of the iceberg. Rural communities like Sylacauga are teeming with potential. With gALPHA earth, we’re helping founders take the first step with confidence, and we’re excited to keep building pathways that support entrepreneurs throughout their journey.”
gALPHA earth supports entrepreneurs across a range of industries, from retail and service-based businesses to product concepts and technology startups. The initiative is led by SAFE, with the incubator operating as a partnership between SAFE, the Chamber, and EARTH.
The event is open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, visit gener8tor.com/galpha/earth.
