April 25, 2025 · Entrepreneurs, Innovation, Investors, Program Impact, SSBCI

Alabama startups thrive with support from Innovate Alabama, Innovation Depot (Alabama Political Reporter)

Birmingham native Tevin Harrell turned down a $3 million offer in California to return home and build SmartWiz, a company that helps tax professionals and CPAs streamline their work using AI. With backing from Innovate Alabama’s State Small Business Credit Initiative, Harrell expanded his team, accelerated product development and reached new markets. But he credits more than just funding for SmartWiz’s growth.

“Innovate Alabama gave us the fuel, but Innovation Depot gave us the road to drive on,” Harrell said. “Moving back to Alabama was one of the best moves we’ve made.” And he’s not alone.

Alabama Political Reporter spotlights four startups, including SmartWiz, Shipshape Agworks, CModel and Trunk Tea, who are all scaling thanks to this strategic pairing of state-backed funding and local infrastructure.

Confessed ‘HR nerd’ Gia Wiggins looks to change the field with Fairhope, Alabama-based Auditocity (Alabama News Center)

Recap: Alabama on Full Display at SXSW

InvestAL “Adds One More Level of Validation” For Huntsville’s KALM Therapeutics

State of Innovation: Alabama Leaders Share Bold Vision for State’s Startup Economy