Expansion of Startup Accelerator into Sylacauga, boosting opportunities for rural entrepreneurs
gener8tor Launches gALPHA earth Accelerator Program in Alabama
gener8tor, a global venture firm and accelerator network, has announced the launch of its new gALPHA earth accelerator program in Alabama. The program, held at earth, an innovation hub dedicated to uplifting rural communities in East Alabama, will begin on October 28, 2025.
This free, four-week venture-creation workshop is designed to help idea-stage entrepreneurs turn their concepts into viable businesses. It is open to all Alabama residents statewide, regardless of background, education, or industry, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility.
The program will be offered twice per year and aims to support entrepreneurial ecosystems in often overlooked rural communities in Alabama. It focuses on helping aspiring founders move from ideas to real businesses through a structured venture-creation curriculum.
Laura Strickland, president and CEO of the Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce, believes gALPHA earth will invite people to plant roots in the community and build lives. She views the program as a catalyst for long-term economic growth and talent retention in the area.
gener8tor is also recruiting a director to lead the program, signaling its commitment to local leadership development. Interested applicants must apply by Sunday, October 19, using the provided application form.
Since expanding into Alabama, gener8tor has supported nearly 200 companies and contributed $162 million in economic impact. The company partners with companies, governments, universities, and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in over 41 communities across 22 states and two countries.
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports various entities, including startups, workers, employers, artists, and musicians. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as the Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
The East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub (earth) is an economic development solution focused on knowledge-based skills, technology growth, and entrepreneurship across the lifespan. The mission of earth is to provide East Alabama with an efficient and effective workforce development system responsive to current needs and future economic development initiatives.
gALPHA earth marks gener8tor's first-ever gALPHA program in Alabama that is open to all residents, regardless of background, education level, or industry. The program will complement the center's broader offerings and is part of gener8tor's commitment to building entrepreneurial ecosystems in communities that are often overlooked but full of potential.
- The gALPHA earth accelerator program, launched by gener8tor, is a free, four-week venture-creation workshop aimed at idea-stage entrepreneurs across Alabama, focusing on turning concepts into viable businesses.
- The program, held at the East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub (earth), highlights inclusivity and accessibility, being open to all Alabama residents regardless of their background, education, or industry.
- The program is part of gener8tor's broader commitment to building entrepreneurial ecosystems in communities that are often overlooked but full of potential, and it contributes to the mission of earth, which focuses on knowledge-based skills, technology growth, and entrepreneurship.
- The aspiring founders in the program will partake in a structured venture-creation curriculum, moving from ideas to real businesses, with the goal of supporting long-term economic growth, talent retention, and sustainable living in East Alabama.
