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
Up to $60,000 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?
- 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!
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
| Time | Royal | Belle | Belle Patio | Suite A | Suite B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–7 a.m. | CRP: Founders Bike Ride: CRP | ||||
| 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 Venture Panel Title: Inside the Investor’s Mind: What It Takes to Secure Venture Capital Moderator: Rigved Joshi Panelists: – Nelson Chu, Managing Director Kinetic Ventures – Booz Allen Ventures – Squadra – RedCell | Partner Showcase | ||
| 10–10:15 a.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition | Transition | |
| 10:15–11:15 a.m. | IdeaSTAGE (Ideation Pitches) | ||||
| 11:15 –11:30 a.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition | Transition | |
| 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | KEYNOTE (1) /LUNCHEON Speaker: Steve Hill Retired President and CEO AEgis Technologies | ||||
| 1–1:15 p.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 1:15–2 p.m. | PANEL: Royal: D1P2 | Demo Day (IdeaSTAGE companies) | Partner Showcase | SolutionLAB/Mission Match | SolutionLAB/Mission Match |
| 2–2:15 p.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 2:15–3 p.m. | PANEL: Royal: D1P3 | PANEL: Belle: D1P4 | Partner Showcase | SolutionLAB/Mission Match | SolutionLAB/Mission Match |
| 3–3:15 p.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 3:15–4 p.m. | PANEL: Royal: D1P5 Presented by WIT // HSV 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. 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 | PANEL: Belle: D1P6 Presented by The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship Title: Unlocking Innovation: How to Win SBIR/STTR Funding for Your Business | Reception Setup | SolutionLAB/Mission Match | SolutionLAB/Mission Match |
| 4–4:15 a.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition | ||
| 4:15–6:15 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 | |
| 8:30–9:15 a.m. | Registration / Continental Breakfast | ||
| 9–9:15 a.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 9:15–10 a.m. | Demo Day | PANEL: Belle: D2P1 Presented by Innovate AL | Partner Showcase |
| 10–10:15 a.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 10:15–11:15 a.m. | NextSTAGE Pitch | ||
| 11:15 11:30 a.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | KEYNOTE (2) / LUNCHEON Speaker: Matt Sloane, CSO & Co-Founder Skyfire AI | ||
| 1–1:15 p.m. | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 1:15–2 p.m. | PANEL: Royal: D2P2 Presented by the AI Research Collaborative (ARC) Title: AI in Action: Programs and Partnerships Fueling Growth in North Alabama Description: North Alabama is rapidly emerging as a hub for artificial intelligence, fueled by innovative initiatives and collaborative organizations. This panel explores the strategies, partnerships, and community-driven efforts that are accelerating AI growth and shaping the region’s future. Moderator: Jeff Gronberg, CEO – deciBel Research, Member Board of Trustees – The University of Alabama System, Founding Chair – HSV AI Taskforce Panelists: – Greg Fasking, Sr. Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer – U.S. Space & Rocket Center – Rigved Joshi, Assistant Vice President, Innovation & Entrepreneurship / Director, Invention to Innovation Center (I2C) – University of Alabama in Huntsville – Larry Lowe, Chief Innovation Officer – City of Huntsville – Lynn Troy, President – Troy 7, Founding Chair – HSV AI Taskforce | 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. | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 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. Moderator: Dr. Timothy Mantz, Dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs at Alabama A&M University Panelists: – Dr. Ed Pearson, Associate Dean for Student Success-College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences (CETPS) – ShaVonne Cammack, Founder and Managing Partner of Council Consultinng Group LLC – Dr. Lyndell J. Parris, Director of the Venture Hub Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center at Alabama A&M | 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. | Transition | Transition | Transition |
| 3:15–4 p.m. | PANEL: Royal: D2P6 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 Panelists: – Brandon Kruse, Founder HuntsvilleWest | Hack-A-Thon setup | 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.
- Apply for IdeaSTAGE
- Apply for NextSTAGE
- Apply for SolutionLAB/Mission Match
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.
Registration is now open for attendees. Register here.
FOR ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:
Ashley Engles-Ross, IOM
Vice President, Small Business
256-535-2043
Contact Our Small Business Team
