Alabama UpStarts

Alabama Upstarts is a television show that showcases local Alabama entrepreneurs and startup founders as they pitch their business ideas to a panel of experienced investor judges. The show airs on multiple Alabama TV stations and gives entrepreneurs a powerful platform to present their products, services, and business models to a real audience and real investors.

Founded to celebrate Alabama's growing startup ecosystem, the show demonstrates that innovation and entrepreneurship thrive across the state—from Birmingham and Montgomery to Dothan, Mobile, and Huntsville. Each episode features multiple contestants competing for investor attention and a cash prize of $1,000 sponsored by regional businesses including Mercedes Benz of Dothan and Mike Schmitz.

Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur with a brand-new concept or an established small business owner looking to scale, Alabama Upstarts provides a unique opportunity to gain visibility, investor feedback, and potential funding. The show has produced over 54 episodes, building an impressive library of Alabama startup stories that continue to inspire aspiring business owners across the state.

Applying to be a contestant on Alabama Upstarts is straightforward. Interested entrepreneurs can submit an application detailing their business concept, product or service, current revenue status, and personal background. The show welcomes all types of businesses—from tech startups and food products to innovative services and social enterprises.

When applying, be prepared to describe your business clearly and concisely, as the judges look for both a strong idea and a compelling presentation. You'll also be asked about patent and trademark status, your principals and co-founders, and what stage of development your business is currently in. Demonstrating that your business is viable, scalable, and profitable will strengthen your application considerably.

Contact the show directly at wyldbd@gmail.com or call (256) 642-0210 to inquire about upcoming taping schedules. Tapings are held in various Alabama cities throughout the year, so check for announcements about the next open casting call near you. Being selected as a contestant could be a life-changing opportunity to gain regional exposure, investor interest, and the credibility that comes with appearing on Alabama television.

Alabama Upstarts airs on multiple television stations across the state. You can watch on WNCF TV ABC in Montgomery on Saturday nights at 10:00 PM, or on CW 21 WTTO TV in Birmingham on Saturday nights at 10:30 PM. In Dothan, tune into WRGX TV NBC on Saturday nights at 10:00 PM.

Viewers in Mobile can catch episodes on WJTC TV on Sunday nights at 10:00 PM, and those in the Huntsville area can watch on The Valleys CW on Sunday nights at 10:00 PM. This broad coverage ensures that audiences across Alabama—from the Tennessee Valley in the north to the Gulf Coast in the south—can watch the show in their local market.

All episodes are also available on the official Alabama Upstarts YouTube channel, where you can watch the full library of over 54 episodes at any time. Whether you're watching live to see the latest entrepreneur pitch the judges or catching up on past seasons online, the show's content remains accessible to audiences across Alabama and beyond. New episodes air regularly throughout the season, so check your local listings for the most current schedule.

The judges on Alabama Upstarts are experienced Alabama business professionals and investors who evaluate each contestant's business concept, execution, and market potential. The panel has featured Lisa William, Bill Turner, Patti Yancy, and Mike Schmitz—all accomplished figures in the Alabama business community with diverse backgrounds spanning entrepreneurship, investment, and business development.

These judges assess not only the business idea itself but also the entrepreneur's passion, preparation, market knowledge, and ability to execute their vision under pressure. Their real-world experience means contestants receive genuine, actionable feedback rather than scripted commentary. The judges may ask probing questions about financial projections, competitive landscape, customer acquisition costs, and scalability plans.

The judging panel may evolve from season to season as the show invites new business leaders from across Alabama to participate and share their expertise. If you're an experienced entrepreneur or investor interested in serving as a judge, you can apply through the show to contribute your knowledge to Alabama's next generation of business leaders and innovators.

The primary cash prize on Alabama Upstarts is $1,000, sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Dothan and Mike Schmitz. While the monetary award is meaningful for early-stage startups, the true value of winning extends far beyond the cash prize itself. Winners gain significant regional television exposure, reaching audiences across multiple Alabama TV markets simultaneously through the show's broadcast network.

This media attention can drive customer inquiries, partnership opportunities, and investor interest that far exceeds the monetary award in long-term business value. Contestants who impress the judges may also receive informal mentorship, business connections, or follow-up discussions about potential investment opportunities outside of the show format. The network of contacts made through the show can prove invaluable to growing businesses.

For early-stage startups, the publicity generated by an appearance on Alabama Upstarts can be the catalyst needed to move from concept to funded, operational business. Numerous Alabama businesses have built brand recognition and credibility simply by participating, even without taking home the top prize. The experience of pitching on camera to a panel of experienced judges also sharpens an entrepreneur's presentation and business communication skills for future investor meetings.

The Alabama Upstarts voting process allows viewers and fans to have a direct say in which contestants they want to see succeed. Voting takes place through the show's online voting platform, accessible via the Vote page on this website. Once the voting period opens for an episode or competition, fans can cast their votes for their favorite contestant or business concept.

The viewer vote may influence outcomes in certain episodes or competitions, giving the audience an active, participatory role in the show's proceedings. This community voting element transforms the show from a passive viewing experience into an interactive event that connects Alabama's entrepreneurial community. Local communities often rally behind their hometown entrepreneurs, creating grassroots support campaigns that extend the show's reach across social media platforms.

Check the Vote page regularly for updates on when new voting periods open, and follow Alabama Upstarts on social media for real-time announcements about upcoming voting opportunities. Your vote can make a real difference to an entrepreneur whose business dream depends on community support. The most successful contestants on the show often cite viewer engagement and community backing as a major factor in their momentum beyond the show itself.