Melton Center Opens Applications for 2026 Launch USA Program

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Posted on February 26, 2026 by Amanda Akey

Amanda Akey

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What’s your big idea? 
The Melton Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is proud to host Launch USA, 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.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 cohort. The deadline to apply is March 23.

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. 

More information and to apply, please visit www.southalabama.edu/meltoncenter

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