DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Seven entrepreneurs are being recognized for turning ideas into businesses through HudsonAlpha Wiregrass’ Founders Roadmap program at the Wiregrass Innovation Center in Dothan.
According to HudsonAlpha Wiregrass, the program provides entrepreneurs with hands-on training focused on finance, leadership and customer discovery to help transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
“Through the Founders Roadmap, they’re not chasing fame or fortune; they’re solving real problems for real people,” the organization stated.
The entrepreneurs highlighted include:
Jacob Stevens, founder of Something LLC, which creates interlocking compressed earth blocks designed to make construction faster, stronger and more sustainable.
Katelin Selvage, founder of SkyeCalm, a weather-focused app that provides plain-language safety updates, coping tools and guidance for people dealing with storm anxiety.
Keaton Phillips, owner of Runway Auto Mobile Mechanics, a mobile repair service that brings automotive repairs directly to customers.
Shae Kabeda, founder of AgriSphere Solar, which works to make solar energy more accessible for farmers and landowners.
Yolanda McHenry, founder of Honey and Lotus, a company focused on helping Black women and underserved communities understand and manage environmental and social health risks.
Adrian Bustos, founder of Layer Junkies LLC, which offers 3D printing, scanning and design services for businesses, inventors and students.
Richard Everett, creator of The Alabama Storytellers Project, which shares stories of Alabamians through longform profiles and community storytelling.
HudsonAlpha Wiregrass said the founders represent a growing spirit of entrepreneurship in the region.
“These founders share more than ambition. They share community commitment,” the organization stated.
As the Wiregrass Innovation Center continues to grow, organizers say the success of local entrepreneurs demonstrates that innovation can thrive outside major metropolitan areas.
“You don’t need to live in a big city to dream big,” the organization stated.
The Founders Roadmap Bootcamp is a seven-week program designed to help entrepreneurs refine business ideas, develop business plans and gain tools needed for long-term growth and success.
