Slingshot is accepting applications through May 3. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – Enterprising companies and professionals can apply to participate with Slingshot, the first startup accelerator program in Alabama.

Slingshot is an initiative of Rocket Hatch, the Alabama Center for Sustainable Energy and Fortnum Capital Partners. Slingshot’s goal is to promote the success of high-growth IMPACT startups in the Southeast.

“These organizations bring together expertise in startup acceleration, clean tech and IMPACT investment and an unparalleled network of entrepreneurs, industry experts and investors,” Rocket Hatch founder and chairman Antonio Montoya said.

Rocket Hatch is a group of creators and entrepreneurs that support the startup movement in the Huntsville Metro and surrounding areas. Industry sponsors and investment partners led by Fortnum Capital Partners will fund Slingshot.

Interested parties can apply for Slingshot through May 3. Selected startups will participate in an intense two-month program and meet on selected weekends in Huntsville to perfect their business models and prepare for investment with industry partners and mentors, Montoya said.

To apply with Slingshot, visit slingshothsv.org/apply.

Startup teams will receive strong preference if their focus is on businesses providing measurable and beneficial social or environmental impact, along with a significant financial return. Some possible impact areas are energy, waste and life sciences. Tech startups also may apply.

Company officials will announce selected candidates at the end of May. The accelerator program begins on June 5 and culminates with “Demo Day” in early August.

“Alabama has no shortage of high-potential entrepreneurs,” Alabama Launchpad programs director Greg Sheek said. “Transforming them into successful entrepreneur leaders requires clear structure and access to a network of professionals to shepherd ideas into viable companies.”

Fortnum Capital managing partner Chris Taylor said the Tennessee Valley “has a wealth of human and intellectual capital around clean technology, but the investors, the entrepreneurs and the ideas need a collaborative methodology and network to succeed. Partnering with the Slingshot accelerator will bring these components together.”

“We’re very excited with the broad partnerships we have secured for the Slingshot accelerator program,” Montoya said.

For more information about Rocket Hatch, visit rockethatch.org.