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Small Business

P.R.O.P.E.L.
Small Business & Entrepreneur Summit
October 28–29

LOCATION: Stovehouse, Huntsville, AL

P – Promote innovation and entrepreneurship
R – Resource businesses with tools and support
O – Open doors to new opportunities and partnerships
P – Prepare entrepreneurs for sustainable growth
E – Engage the community and ecosystem
L – Launch ideas through collaboration and competition

$60,000 in prizes will be awarded to Pitch Contestant winners!

P.R.O.P.E.L. is made possible by InnovateAL and the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Foundation.

What is P.R.O.P.E.L. and Who Is It For?

Let’s P.R.O.P.E.L. Small Business Innovation Together!

Advancing Small Business Forward

Chamber to host new event in Huntsville October 28-29

The P.R.O.P.E.L. Small Business & Entrepreneur Summit is more than just an event – it’s a platform designed to elevate entrepreneurship, drive innovation, and foster meaningful connections across Huntsville’s small business ecosystem. Guided by six core principles – Promote, Resource, Open, Prepare, Engage, and Launch – the summit will empower small businesses, entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them.

The summit will place a strategic spotlight on high-growth, high-impact industries including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. By uniting entrepreneurs, small businesses, investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners, P.R.O.P.E.L. aims to create a collaborative environment where innovation and opportunity converge.

Entrepreneurs will take center stage during live pitch competitions, where they’ll present their ventures to a panel of judges for the chance to win cash prizes that can help fuel their next stage of growth. Demo day sessions will give entrepreneurs and small businesses a platform to showcase their cutting-edge products and technologies aligned with key industry sectors.

Adding to the energy of the summit is the SolutionLAB, where small businesses pitch their “solution” to the innovation priorities and procurement needs identified by industry partners – opening new pathways for collaboration and procurement opportunities.

Attendees can expect engaging panel discussions on essential topics for small business growth, including securing funding, attracting top talent, harnessing digital tools, and expanding through strategic partnerships. These sessions are crafted to provide actionable advice and inspiration for entrepreneurs at every stage. Plus, attendees will help select the winners of the pitch competitions held on both days of the summit, so come ready to participate and make your voice count!

Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur, an established small business owner, corporate decision-maker, or ecosystem supporter, the P.R.O.P.E.L. Summit provides the tools, resources, and relationships to move your work – and the region – forward.

Whether you’re interested in pitching, participating as an industry partner, or attending to learn and cheer companies on, keep an eye on upcoming Chamber eblasts for details on the P.R.O.P.E.L. Small Business & Entrepreneur Summit, taking place October 28–29 at Stovehouse in Huntsville. Also, watch for the release of the daily agenda – each day kicks off with a Founders & Funders Fun Run/Bike Ride through downtown Huntsville or Cummings Research Park.

Join us as we promote entrepreneurship, open new doors, and P.R.O.P.E.L. small business innovation into the future. The future starts here. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of it!

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

TimeRoyalBelleBelle PatioSuite ASuite B
6–7 a.m.CRP: Founders Bike Ride: CRP
8–9:15 a.m.Booth Setup (Pitch and SolutionLAB Contestants) & RegistrationIdeaSTAGE and Panel SetupPartner Showcase Setup
8:30–9:15 a.m.Registration / Continental Breakfast
9–9:15 a.m.TransitionTransitionTransition
9:15–10 a.m.Demo Day (SolutionLAB)PANEL: Belle: D1P1
Presented by Working in Tech (WIT)

Title: Beyond the Code: Authentic Leadership in Tech

Description: Authentic leadership in the tech space goes beyond technical skills. This talk explores how individuals are reshaping leadership norms by bringing their whole selves to the table.

Panel organizer: “Working In Tech,” a North Alabama-based community platform dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering individuals with the expertise, mentorship, and connections needed to thrive in STEM careers.

Moderator: Ambrosia Patterson, Huntsville Practice and Strategy Lead- Accenture Federal Services

Speakers:
Brent Yonk, Section Chief, FBI
Will Johnson, Huntsville Market Lead, Palantir
Angela Rittenbach, Founder and CEO, Riverstone Solutions
Partner Showcase
10–10:15 a.m.TransitionTransitionTransitionTransition
10:15–11:15 a.m.IdeaSTAGE (Ideation Pitches)
11:15 –11:30 a.m.TransitionTransitionTransitionTransition
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.KEYNOTE (1) /LUNCHEON

Speaker: Steve Hill
Retired President and CEO
AEgis Technologies
1–1:15 p.m.TransitionTransitionTransitionTransitionTransition
1:15–2 p.m.PANEL: Royal: D1P2
Presented by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Demo Day (IdeaSTAGE companies)Partner ShowcaseSolutionLAB/Mission MatchSolutionLAB/Mission Match
2–2:15 p.m.TransitionTransitionTransitionTransitionTransition
2:15–3 p.m.
PANEL: Royal: D1P3
PANEL: Belle: D1P4
Presented by the DefenseTech Accelerator

Title: From 10 to 100: Scaling with Strategy and Purpose
Partner ShowcaseSolutionLAB/Mission MatchSolutionLAB/Mission Match
3–3:15 p.m.TransitionTransitionTransitionTransitionTransition
3:15–4 p.m.PANEL: Royal: D1P5
Presented by the AI Research Collaborative (ARC)

Title: AI in Action: Practical Strategies for Small Business Success
PANEL: Belle: D1P6
Presented by The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship

Title: Unlocking Innovation: How to Win SBIR/STTR Funding for Your Business
Reception SetupSolutionLAB/Mission MatchSolutionLAB/Mission Match
4–4:15 a.m.TransitionTransitionTransition
4:15–6:15 p.m.Partner Showcase and Reception

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

TimeRoyalBelleBelle Patio
6–7 a.m.Founders Run: Downtown HSV
8–9:15 a.m,Booth Setup (Pitch) & RegistrationNextSTAGE and Panel SetupPartner Showcase
8:30–9:15 a.m.Registration / Continental Breakfast
9–9:15 a.m.TransitionTransitionTransition
9:15–10 a.m.Demo DayPANEL: Belle: D2P1
Venture Panel

Title: From Bootstrapping to Breakthrough: Choosing the Right Capital to Scale Your Business
Partner Showcase
10–10:15 a.m.TransitionTransitionTransition
10:15–11:15 a.m.NextSTAGE Pitch
11:15 11:30 a.m.TransitionTransitionTransition
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.KEYNOTE (2) / LUNCHEON
1–1:15 p.m.TransitionTransitionTransition
1:15–2 p.m.PANEL: Royal: D2P2
Presented by The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship

Title: Unlocking Innovation: How to Win SBIR/STTR Funding for Your Business
PANEL: Belle: D2P3
Presented by the North Alabama Society for Human Resource Management (NASHRM)

Title: People Power: Navigating HR Challenges in Today’s Business Environment
Partner Showcase Teardown
2–2:15 p.m.TransitionTransitionTransition
2:15–3 p.m.PANEL: Royal: D2P4
Presented by Alabama A&M

Title: AI for Small Business: What’s Out There and How to Use It Wisely

Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way businesses of every size operate—but for small businesses, the challenge is knowing what tools exist and how to use them effectively. This panel, featuring AI specialists from Microsoft, will demystify today’s most accessible AI technologies and share practical ways small businesses can integrate them into daily operations.

Attendees will learn:
– What AI tools are currently available (and affordable) for small businesses.
– How to apply AI to streamline workflows, marketing, customer service, and data Management.
– Common pitfalls to avoid and best practices for adopting AI responsibly.

Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or looking to sharpen how you use it, this session will equip you with actionable insights and strategies to keep your business competitive in an AI-driven world.

Moderator: Dr. Timothy Mantz, Dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs at Alabama A&M University

Panelists:
ShaVonne Cammack, Founder and Managing Partner of Councill Consulting Group LLC
Dr. Lyndell J. Parris, Director of the Venture Hub Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at Alabama A&M University
PANEL: Belle: D2P5
Presented by Neighborhood Concepts

Title: Fueling the Future: CDFIs and Small Business Counselors Powering Entrepreneurs

Description: Entrepreneurs often cite access to capital and technical assistance as their greatest barrier to growth. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and small business resource centers step in to fill this gap – providing flexible financing, technical assistance and connections to resources that traditional lenders often can’t offer.

This panel brings together Alabama-based CDFIs and non-profits to explore how mission driven companies are fueling small business growth across the State. From supporting startups to scaling established enterprises, panelists will share insights on building inclusive economic growth, ensuring that all entrepreneurs – regarding of background or zip code – have the opportunity to innovate, compete and thrive.
Partner Showcase Teardown
3–3:15 p.m.TransitionTransitionTransition
3:15–4 p.m.PANEL: Royal: D2P6
Presented by Hubtricity

Title: From Idea to Exit: Lessons from Successful Founders
Partner Showcase Teardown
4:15–6:15 p.m.Hack-A-Thon, in partnership with Space Camp Institute

Applications for people who would like to pitch is now open. You must apply by Friday, Oct. 3, and we will notify you by October 14 if you are selected. If you aren’t selected, you’ll still have time to register as an attendee.

IdeaSTAGE: This category shines a spotlight on high-growth, high-impact industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. North Alabama entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial teams eligible to compete should be in the early stages of exploring market problems and brainstorming innovative solutions within these fields. Ideal applicants are focused on creativity, early validation, and building a unique value proposition that lays the foundation for future business development and long-term growth.

NextSTAGE: Companies applying in this category are in need of seed money and are in the concept or early startup stage, with a viable business idea that has been shaped into an initial product, prototype, or service model but lacks sufficient capital to scale. These businesses often have founders and small teams actively working to validate their concept, refine business processes, and identify early customers or markets.

SolutionLAB/Mission Match is designed for companies ranging from early-stage startups with validated prototypes to growth-stage ventures with proven products and customer traction. Whether you are refining your business model or scaling into new markets, SolutionLAB provides a platform to connect with defense stakeholders, national security partners, and strategic investors.

Speakers for Day 1, October 28

COL (Ret) Will Johnson is the Palantir Lead for the Huntsville market with responsibility for current programs supporting Army Materiel Command and other Army and DoD customers around the globe.  A highly decorated veteran, Will led Soldiers in numerous units over a 30-year Army career, including commands in combat with the 3d Infantry Division in Iraq and 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan and is an inductee into the Madison County Hall of Heroes.

Prior to joining Accenture Federal Services, Ambrosia, “Ambro” spent 20+ years in the FBI. She is also a leadership coach, wife to Justin and mother to Pax and Esthero.

Angela is the CEO and founder of Riverstone Solutions, Inc. (RSI), a cybersecurity and engineering firm headquartered in Huntsville, AL. RSI is a woman owned small business, HUBZone company and an MDA Protégé, serving the MDA, USAF, Army, NASA and commercial cybersecurity clients. Angela leverages her authentic experience in balancing a family and career in every engagement as a founder, leader, volunteer, and longtime advocate for women in technology and STEM programs. She is also the founder of the Jefferson Street Innovation Center in downtown Huntsville and CyberReach.Org, a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Speakers for Day 2, October 29

ShaVonne Cammack is the Founder and Managing Partner of Councill Consulting Group LLC and a faculty member at Alabama A&M University. She leads IT modernization and culturally affirming service design for HBCUs and mission-driven organizations, pairing strategic vision with human-centered innovation. A certified expert in IT Service Management, cybersecurity, and Lean Six Sigma, she helps institutions modernize legacy systems, strengthen operations, and elevate the student experience. Cammack is a passionate advocate for educational equity and the advancement of Black women entrepreneurs, translating AI and emerging technologies into practical tools that scale impact and expand access. At AAMU and across the HBCU ecosystem, she works at the intersection of technology, culture, and community—equipping leaders with inclusive, future-ready services and guiding founders through digital transformation with confidence.

Jennifer Kwan Mandelbaum is a Partner at Halogen Ventures, bringing over 15 years of experience in the investments space and supporting consumer innovation. At Halogen, she serves as board observer of two consumer-related companies and supports women-led companies across technology, healthcare, and fintech that are transforming industries and shaping a more inclusive future.

Dr. Timothy Mantz is Dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs at Alabama A&M University, where he leads programs serving nearly one-third of the student population and recently launched the university’s new Venture Hub Entrepreneurship Center. With more than two decades of leadership in higher education and business, Dr. Mantz has taken two companies public, turned around two others, and advised numerous startups at universities across the country. He has forged partnerships with Fortune 500 firms, defense organizations, and regional industry leaders to embed real-world innovation into academic and entrepreneurial programs. A scholar with multiple “Best in Journal” awards, Dr. Mantz is also Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Business Research. His work bridges academia, industry, and community, preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders to drive sustainable growth and economic development.

Dr. Lyndell J. Parris is Director of the Venture Hub Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at Alabama A&M University and a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and innovation strategist. Holding a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she blends research-driven insights on leadership and growth with lived entrepreneurial experience. She has secured competitive grants, built scalable revenue models, and launched Juggernaut Week, a multi-day festival of innovation and entrepreneurship. Drawing on more than two decades in the consumer-packaged goods industry, she equips founders with practical frameworks for building resilient, tech-enabled businesses. At AAMU, Dr. Parris is developing a first-of-its-kind 5,800-sq-ft hub and forging partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, philanthropies, and state initiatives to deliver programming in STEM, tech innovation, and entrepreneurship—including the responsible use of AI—preparing students and community members to launch and scale inclusive ventures that drive regional economic development.

Registration is now open for attendees. Register here.

Ashley Engles-Ross, IOM
Vice President, Small Business
256-535-2043

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C-Suite Speaker Series featuring Angela Howald, Sept. 11

P.R.O.P.E.L. Small Business & Entrepreneur Summit