UA Offers Demo Day for The Edge Business Incubator

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. —The Edge incubator, in partnership with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute at The University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Commerce, will host the first Demo Day Friday, Feb. 24, at the Bryant Conference Center.

The event will feature start-up companies housed in the Edge. They will present their innovative business models to potential mentors, business investors, venture capital firms, prospective Edge tenants and others interested in learning more about entrepreneurship opportunities in West Alabama.

Presenting companies for the event are BioGram LLC, Brewery Buddy, FoodDrop, Forza Financial, SideLinER/Kinematic Sports and U Color.

“It’s an exciting time for entrepreneurs in Tuscaloosa,” said Dr. Theresa Welbourne, executive director of the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute. “We’re seeing businesses emerge in a range of markets, thanks to the resources available in this community. Demo Day allows the public and members of the business community to not only learn more about what the Edge and the institute have to offer, but also to potentially mentor or even partner with talented entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses.”

Demo Day will be from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Lackey Room at the Bryant Conference Center. For more information, or to reserve a seat, contact Tommie Syx at tsyx@culverhouse.ua.edu, or phone 205/722-5179. Lunch will be provided.

About The Edge and the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute:

The Edge is a partnership among UA, the city of Tuscaloosa, and the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

The mission of The Edge, in partnership with the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute, is to aid emerging businesses with the development of management, financial and technical skills in a maturing environment so they can thrive in the local business community. The Edge offers incubation, virtual and co-working space while the institute and Edge work together to provide counseling and mentoring from experienced business professionals, faculty and subject matter experts. Edge tenants can receive counseling on complying with municipal, county, state and federal policies, procedures and regulations. Individuals can also be referred to professional mentors based on their specific needs, whether it is developing business plans, maximizing the use of technology, or adopting long-term strategies for growth. The Edge also provides guidance on the basic, day-to-day operations required to run a business, such as bookkeeping and human resources.