Alabama creates new innovation corporation
By Dennis Washington
May 18, 2021
The Alabama Innovation Corporation will be tasked with making the state a hub for technology and innovation. (contributed)
The state of Alabama has created a new innovation corporation to support statewide entrepreneurship, rural businesses, research and development at existing companies, and access to advanced technical skills that will drive a future workforce.
Monday, Gov. Kay Ivey signed HB 540 and HB 609 into law, which establishes the Alabama Innovation Corporation (AIC) and creates a matching grant program for small businesses. The bills, which the Alabama Legislature approved May 6, task the AIC with making the state a hub for technology and innovation and supporting initiatives, projects and activities that will enhance this growth for the entire state.
OTTAWA The 69
th Canadian Tulip Festival is underway, and for the second straight year, the event will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Residents are asked to avoid seeing the tulips in-person unless they live in the area, but still, many are heading to parks to view the blooms across the capital region. The sun is shining, the weather is warm and thousands of tulips are in full bloom across Ottawa. On Friday, which marks the start of the Canadian Tulip Festival, many people took advantage of the picture-perfect day to snap a photo of the tulips at Commissioners Park, near Dow’s Lake.
After 43 years, the Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) will return to South Florida on Labor Day Weekend. The resurgence of the postseason clash between two Historically Black Colleges will feature Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Jackson State University (JSU).
Alabama expanding innovation opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses
By Dennis Washington
May 13, 2021
The Alabama Innovation Commission met May 12 at at the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator in downtown Birmingham. (Dennis Washington / Alabama NewsCenter)
Entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to start and grow their businesses now have more opportunities and support in Alabama.
That message was the central theme Wednesday during the Alabama Innovation Commission‘s meeting at the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator in downtown Birmingham. The commission met to review its successes and map out goals for the remainder of 2021.
“To be at the midway point and to have the progress that the commission has made is absolutely incredible,” said Greg Barker, president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. “There’s been meaningful legislation that has been passed, and then to outline what we’re going to do going forward, the way we’re going