Selma River Pitch aims to prepare local entrepreneurs for future storefronts.

The Selma River Pitch, part of the University of Alabama’s Selma Resilience Initiative, returns March 12 as a business pitch competition for entrepreneurs in Selma and Dallas County, offering a $1,000 seed prize and networking opportunities.

The Selma River Pitch is returning on March 12 as a business pitch competition open to entrepreneurs in Selma and Dallas County. Organizers say the event is part of the University of Alabama’s Selma Resilience Initiative and is modeled after a similar competition held in Tuscaloosa. They describe the goal as building long-term entrepreneurial capacity in the community, not just awarding prize money. Local leaders link the effort to ongoing downtown redevelopment and federal funding for Alabama Avenue. Notable details: - The event is scheduled for March 12 at 5:30 p.m. at the Carnell Building at the corner of Water Avenue and Church Street. - The competition is open to entrepreneurs across Selma and Dallas County and has no fee to participate. - Organizers said the $1,000 prize is intended as seed funding to help launch or expand ventures, including storefronts, services, or e-commerce. - Business professors, economic development leaders, and representatives from the Alabama Entrepreneurship Institute are expected to attend to offer connections and resources. - Organizers reported that registration was encouraged through the end of February. Summary: Organizers say the pitch aims to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem that can increase local business ownership and help future downtown storefronts reflect Selma’s identity. The event is scheduled for March 12 and is described as offering networking and resource connections beyond the night of the competition. Undetermined at this time.