January 2019
We have arrived ... at the new EDGE

On December 1, 2018 I turned the key in the door of our new incubator and accelerator, and from that moment things quickly started changing. Last week, our first tenant, High Five Studios, moved in and then more members and tenants followed. The buzz in the building is picking up. We were on the front page of the January 20 Sunday Tuscaloosa News, and on January 25 a story about The EDGE aired on WVUA news. The Chamber hosted several meetings at The EDGE, and we had our first accelerator meeting of the year on January 22.

Our Grand Opening is February 6th. The building, technology and furniture are all state-of-the-art and impressive. Even more exciting is the success of the startups working with us over the last few years. We look forward to more people joining us.

It's time to connect at The EDGE

Theresa M. Welbourne, PhD

Executive Director and
Will and Maggie Brooke Professor in Entrepreneurship
Save the Dates

Learning at The EDGE : February 20, 4:30 to 6 pm. From incubation to exit. Scott and Tracy Comas will tell the story of their start up, Hygia Health Systems, which they grew and recently sold to Stryker. Join us for learning, networking and snacks. RSVP here . Add to your calendar.


Edward K. Aldag, Jr. Business Plan Competition: March 26, 2019
Please reply here to learn more about how you can get involved as a contestant, sponsor or judge. Add to your calendar.
Techstars Startup Weekend from March 1-3 at The EDGE
This innovative program, sponsored by Techstars and playing out in communities all around the world, is being offered to anyone interested in being part of the start-up scene in Tuscaloosa. With or without your own idea, participants join a team and work together to evolve from idea to business concept. Early bird discounts are available, purchase your ticket today!

Start-up Weekend is open to everyone - community members, students and faculty. If interested in participating, sponsoring or coaching, contact us.

Register for the event here.
Trips4Trade Spotlight
Slade Johnston  is the founder and CEO of  Trips4Trade .   While a student at UA, Slade began his company as a tribute to his late grandfather. Now he is a full-time member of The EDGE. Since his first pitch two years ago, he has continued to refine and grow his ideas. Today, Slade has over 200 trips listed for trade in 40 States and 4 Countries, and the numbers are growing daily.
 
Trips4Trade is for outdoor enthusiasts like Slade, who want to take trips all over the world but without breaking the bank. Members can offer and trade trips in the categories of outdoors, adventure, vacation.
 
“Just being around other entrepreneurs at The EDGE is motivating,” Johnston said. “Management at The EDGE has been very helpful with answering quick questions we’ve had or giving advice on different decisions that we have to make. It’s really important to have that ecosystem as a startup. and I am very thankful to be a part of it.” 

Read the full article by clicking here.
2019 Edward K. Aldag, Jr. Business Plan Competition

2019 Community Business Plan Competition
SAVE THE DATE: March 26, 2019
Over $100,000 in prizes for new ventures

Stop by The EDGE to learn more about these opportunities. We are open for coaching and helping you get ready to win.The 5th Annual Edward K. Aldag, Jr. Student Business Plan Competition is here. UA students can pitch their business ideas and compete for over $100,000 in prizes, including a $50,000 grand prize, other cash prizes and numerous other items of value (including space in the new EDGE incubator and accelerator).

Also, in 2019 The Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute in association with The Alabama Small Business Development Center, are hosting a community business plan competition with a $5k first place prize, a $3k second place prize and a $2k third place prize. Winners also receive free membership at The EDGE and consulting from our partners.

Please reply here to learn more about how you can get involved as a contestant, sponsor or judge.

Upcoming Events
Save the dates!

Check out our calendar to stay up to date on all of our upcoming events.
Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners