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Melton Center Community Entrepreneurship Programs End with Pitch Competition

Posted on July 6, 2026 by Amanda Akey
Amanda Akey

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The Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation's community programs, Melton Business Development and Melton Business Accelerator, provide Gulf Coast business owners with access to expert guidance and practical tools to help them navigate challenges and reach their goals.


The development program is for potential entrepreneurs with a business concept and business owners whose companies have been in operation for less than a year, while the accelerator program is designed for existing businesses looking to scale. After the cohorts have been selected, participants attend eight weeks of classes where they learn from subject matter experts, engage in experiential learning and receive coaching and mentorship.


The programs culminate with a pitch competition, where participants have the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of expert judges for a chance to win prize money to further their businesses. Thanks to the generous financial support of Merchants & Marine Bank, this year's pitch competition awarded a total of $25,800 to help local entrepreneurs scale their ventures.


"Starting a business on your own can be incredibly challenging," says Dr. Thomas Nelson, program director. "Our community programs help founders clarify their purpose, receive crucial feedback, gain practical skills and build community. Helping these small businesses succeed strengthens the entire Gulf Coast.”

This year's winners include: 

Melton Business Development

  • 1st Place - Johnneshia Perrydon | The Secure Terminal

A cybersecurity consulting and digital literacy practice provides risk assessments, employee training, and affordable community education programs.

  • 2nd Place - Chassity Simmons | EduCATaLIS

This business partners with families, educators, and organizations to remove learning barriers and offer language services for ASL and English language learner communities.

  • 3rd Place - Kala McCollum | Coolin Cones

A mobile snow cone business serves communities throughout Mobile and Baldwin counties.

  • 4th place - Dexter Woods | By The Grill Podcast

This podcast covers life, everyday events, and topical discussions for a global audience.

Melton Business Accelerator

  • 1st Place - Tiffany Harris-James | Future Leaders Working

This nonprofit organization provides training, mentoring, and networking opportunities to support and develop young adults to transition into professional careers..

  • 2nd Place - Cortney Rose | Rose Catering

A culinary business that offers meal preparation, catering and private chef services.

  • 3rd Place - Kimiko Pears | Pediatric & Adult Therapy Services

This therapy practice provides comprehensive speech and language therapy, communication disorder treatments, and specialized partner and lip-reading training.

  • 4th Place - Courtney Dortch-Pickens | From Me To You Massage Therapy

A therapeutic practice that specializes in massage therapy for relaxation and athletic sports recovery.

To learn more about the Melton Center's community entrepreneurship programs visit southalabama.edu/meltoncenter.

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