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Launch USA

Student receiving check at Launch USA Competition.

What’s your big idea? 

The Melton Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is proud to host Launch USA. This program is a unique opportunity for teams and individuals affiliated with the University of South Alabama to develop business ideas, receive funding, transform thinking and make an impact on the Gulf Coast community.

Who is eligible?

University of South Alabama students, faculty, staff and alumni are eligible to participate as teams or individuals.

How does this work?

Following the application period, up to ten teams will be selected to participate in the program. Each team will receive an initial stipend, contingent on the completion of certain milestones, to support their work on their concepts. The first milestone is the completion of the Launch USA | Boot Camp. This intensive training program will include sessions on intellectual property, business formation, digital marketing, market research analytics, nonprofit formation, prototyping, fundraising and much more. Following the completion of the Boot Camp, teams will be assigned a mentor to guide the continued development of their concepts. During this phase, each team will receive an additional stipend to continue early-stage development and prepare their pitch. The program will culminate the Launch USA | Pitch Competition where teams will present their business plan to a team of judges who will then distribute cash prizes to support the further development of your business idea. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is the program? Launch USA is an entrepreneurship program dedicated to helping student teams explore business ideas and transform them into viable business models. 
  • When does the program run? Please stay tuned for information about our 2026 program.
  • How do I apply? Once dates are released an application will be made available on this page. 
  • What stage does my business need to be in to apply? You can have a business idea in need of development or a fully fledged business plan. 
  • What can I expect from the program? Each company group will receive coaching from experienced professors during the program, prior to a pitch competition. If you are selected for further coaching, you will participate in sessions at the Innovation Portal in downtown Mobile. Then, teams will compete in a pitch competition for a grand prize.
  • Do I have to attend the sessions in person? Yes, all members of your team must make a commitment to the spring in-person session as well as the summer sessions. 
  • What will I gain from the process? Participants will receive coaching from experienced professors, as well as time-tested entrepreneurs as mentors. Plus, you’ll meet other entrepreneurs (or potential collaborators) who may be help to you as well.
  • What will my business gain from the process? You will learn specifics on how to take an idea through a process toward a viable business plan. 
  • How specific do I need to be in my application? The more specific the better!