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

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

Startup Founders & Entrepreneurs – Particularly those innovating in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, biotechnology, and cybersecurity.
Individuals or teams looking to pitch, gain visibility, and attract resources or partnerships.
Small Business Owners -Especially those aiming for sustainable growth or exploring innovation and tech integration; and those seeking resources, connections, or exposure to new opportunities.
Investors & Venture Capitalists – Looking to discover emerging ventures in targeted industries.
Corporate & Industry Partners – especially in the summit’s focus sectors, looking to partner with or support startups, or identify innovative suppliers or solutions.
Entrepreneur Support Organizations & Resource Providers – incubators, accelerators, technical assistance providers, etc.; those seeking to engage with entrepreneurs, offer tools, and expand their networks.
Community Stakeholders & Ecosystem Builders – People who play a role in engaging and connecting different parts of the entrepreneurial pipeline.

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

About

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!

Agenda

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

Time	Royal	Belle	Belle Patio	Suite A	Suite B
6–7 a.m.	CRP: Founders Bike Ride
8–9:15 a.m.	Booth Setup (Pitch and SolutionLAB Contestants) & Registration	IdeaSTAGE and Panel Setup	Partner Showcase Setup
8:30–9:15 a.m.	Registration / Continental Breakfast
9–9:15 a.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition
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 for Accenture Federal Services	Partner Showcase
10–10:15 a.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition	Transition
10:15–11:15 a.m.		IdeaSTAGE (Ideation Pitches)
10:15 a.m.–12 p.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition	Transition
12–1:30 p.m.	KEYNOTE (1) /LUNCHEON Speaker: Steve Hill Retired President and CEO AEgis Technologies
1:30–1:45 p.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition	Transition	Transition
1:45–2:30 p.m.	PANEL: Royal: D1P2 Presented by the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)	Demo Day (IdeaSTAGE companies)	Partner Showcase	SolutionLAB: Accenture	SolutionLAB: Innovation Command
2:30–2:45 p.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition	Transition	Transition
2:45–3:30 p.m.	PANEL: Royal: D1P3	PANEL: Belle: D1P4 Presented by the Defense Tech Accelerator Title: From 10 to 100: Scaling with Strategy and Purpose	Partner Showcase	SolutionLAB: Palantir	SolutionLAB
3:30–3:45 p.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition	Transition	Transition
3:45–4:30 p.m.	PANEL: Royal: D1P5	PANEL: Belle: D1P6	Reception Setup	SolutionLAB	SolutionLAB
4:30–6:30 p.m.			Partner Showcase and Reception

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

Time	Royal	Belle	Belle Patio
6–7 a.m.	Founders Run: Downtown HSV
8–9:15 a.m,	Booth Setup (Pitch) & Registration	NextSTAGE and Panel Setup	Partner Showcase
8:30–9 a.m.	Registration / Continental Breakfast
9–9:45 a.m.	Demo Day	PANEL: Belle: D2P1	Partner Showcase
9:45–10 a.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition
10–11:45 a.m.		NextSTAGE Pitch
11:45 a.m.–12 p.m.	Transition	Transition
12–1:30 p.m.	KEYNOTE (2) / LUNCHEON
1:30–1:45 p.m.	Transition	Transition
1:45–2:30 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
2:30–2:45 p.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition
2:45–3:30 p.m.	PANEL: Royal: D2P4 Presented by Hubtricity Title: From Idea to Exit: Lessons from Successful Founders Description: Join a dynamic conversation with entrepreneurs who have navigated the full business journey—from refining their initial concept to scaling operations, securing the funding needed for growth, and ultimately achieving a successful exit. These seasoned founders will share candid insights on what worked, what they would do differently, and the critical decisions that shaped their companies’ trajectories. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next move, this panel offers valuable lessons on innovation, resilience, and the realities of building and selling a business. Moderator: Angie Sandritter, CEO, Hubtricity	PANEL: Belle: D2P5	Partner Showcase Teardown
3:30–3:45 p.m.	Transition	Transition	Transition
3:45–4:30 p.m.	PANEL: Royal: D2P6 Presented by the AI Research Collaborative (ARC) Title: AI in Action: Practical Strategies for Small Business Success	GeekOut Setup	Partner Showcase Teardown
4:30–6:30 p.m.		GeekOut

Applications

Applications for people who would like to pitch will open Monday, September 1. You must apply by October 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.

Industry Partners

Resource Partner Showcase

Speakers/PANELISTS

Speakers for Day 1, October 28

Steve Hill Retired President and CEO, AEgis Technologies

Ambrosia Patterson Practice & Strategy Lead, Accenture Federal Services

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.

Will Johnson Huntsville Market Lead, Palantir

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 101^st Airborne Division in Afghanistan and is an inductee into the Madison County Hall of Heroes.