The sharks are circling in North Alabama as the Singing River Trail announces the inaugural Singing River Trail Launch Tank business competition, presented by the regional Land Use Committee of Launch 2035.

Targeting entrepreneurs from across eight counties in North Alabama, the Singing River Trail Launch Tank is modeled after the popular Shark Tank reality TV show in which entrepreneurs vie for financial backing from a panel of high powered and often intimidating investors.

The Launch Tank event is open to aspiring and existing businesses of any kind with founders residing within the Singing River Trail footprint, which includes Jackson, Marshall, Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Lawrence, Lauderdale, and Colbert counties.

Sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton, winners will receive up to $20,000 in cash and resources from business support agencies from across the region. The application process opened December 7.

The 200+ mile Singing River Trail is a proposed greenway trail system linking people and communities across North Alabama with common goals of promoting health and wellness, tourism, economic development, quality of life, and community development.

“The Singing River Trail Launch Tank is a demonstration of the true power and potential of regionalism,” said John Joseph IV, entrepreneur chair for Launch 2035. “The support and collaboration offered through the inaugural event’s planning committee will make all the difference in how we can provide entrepreneurs in every corner of North Alabama an opportunity to participate in shaping our community’s culture and economy.”

Created in 2014, Launch 2035 is a three-county regional volunteer business-led visioning organization, focused on strengthening North Alabama through entrepreneurship, land use, and workforce initiatives. The nonprofit is united by the belief that the regional prosperity of North Alabama depends on all eight counties working and planning together to foster regional economic growth and create an enviable quality of life for all residents.

Singing River Trail Launch Tank partners include Decatur-Morgan County Entrepreneurial Center, Urban Engine, Shoals Business Incubator, Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, Lawrence County Chamber and Marshall County Economic Development Council, TARCOG, and the Business Council of Alabama.

John Kvach, executive director if the Singing River Trail, expects to see as many of the winners of the competition as possible, connected to the Trail.

“Area entrepreneurs who dream big should start honing their pitch because this is your chance to get started on the next great business endeavor in North Alabama,” Kvach said. “This is your chance to be part of something bigger, something that makes a positive difference, and like the Singing River Trail, something that we all can be proud of as we work together to make North Alabama a better place to live, work, and play in.”

Submit business ideas to http://launch2035.org/launch-tank.