On March 1, Welcomed Co™ was selected as a finalist to participate in the Alabama Launchpad 2023 Cycle 1. Ten finalists will compete for a combined $75,000 in the finale on April 20, 2023.

Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), features entrepreneurs in two stages of development: those in the concept stage, who are usually pre-revenue, and those in the early seed stage who are looking to accelerate the growth of their existing businesses.

One of five concept stage finalists, Welcomed Co™ will compete for $25,000, while five other companies will compete for $50,000 in the early seed stage.

Established in 2006, Alabama Launchpad has invested over $6 million in funding to over 112 startups. All funds are non-dilutive, allowing recipients to maintain all ownership and equity in their businesses. Winning companies have a "combined post money-valuation of over $1 billion and have generated over 1,300 jobs across the state." (Source)

“Applicants eligible to receive funding will be evaluated according to a set of criteria by subject matter experts ("Launch Advisors"). Launch Advisors will score each applicant with respect to each criterium for an initial assessment and decide which applicants move forward as finalists. After finalists are chosen, Launch Advisors will assist the finalists in business operations, plans, and pitches in preparation for the final competition with a volunteer judging panel.” (Source)

Past Winners of Alabama Launchpad include: 

• #INFLCR - A personalized content delivery platform for some of the most impactful brands and athletes in college sports
  
  
• Wyndy - Enables parents to quickly and easily connect with background-checked, full-time college students in a way that benefits everyone
  
  
• Glow - Connects customers with an accredited network of GlowPro beauty professionals, to provide beauty services like dry styling, blowouts, makeup applications and spray tanning

About Alabama Launchpad:

Established in 2006, Alabama Launchpad is Alabama’s most active, early-stage seed fund investor, driving innovation and job growth through startup competitions and ongoing mentoring for Alabama entrepreneurs. Alabama Launchpad is made possible by the generous support from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Alabama Department of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Caring Foundation, Wells Fargo, Alabama Power Foundation and the Daniel Corporation Foundation. It is the state’s longest running business plan and pitch competition. To learn more about Alabama Launchpad, please visit

Photo Credit: “Birmingham, AL (the Magic City) at dusk” by xnatedawgx is licensed under CC BY 2.0