February 19, 2026
The UAH College of Business is proud to announce Michelle Kloske as the new Director and Senior Business Advisor of the SBDC APEX Accelerator at UAH. A UAH alumna with a BSBA in Accounting, Michelle has served as a Senior Business Advisor since 2019 and has been a tremendous resource to small business owners across North Alabama. In 2022, she was recognized by America’s SBDC with the Alabama State Star Award as the top advisor in the state.
In her new role, she will continue working directly with entrepreneurs while leading the SBDC/APEX team in delivering measurable results aligned with the performance standards of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). Her experience as both a small business owner and senior advisor uniquely positions her to guide clients at every stage of business growth.
This leadership transition also marks a fresh chapter for our office. Now fully settled into our new home in the Business Administration Building (BAB 126) within the UAH College of Business, the SBDC APEX Accelerator is energized and focused on strengthening service to the North Alabama business community. Being located on campus enhances our ability to connect clients with university resources, faculty expertise, and student engagement opportunities.
As we move forward in this next phase, we invite both new and returning clients to connect with our team. Whether you are launching a venture, navigating growth, or exploring new opportunities, the SBDC APEX Accelerator at UAH provides confidential, no-cost advising and training designed to help you start, manage, grow, and compete.
To schedule an in-person meeting at our campus location, please contact your advisor directly. You can also visit www.uah.edu/sbdc/events or www.asbdc.org to register for upcoming programs. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and continuing to support the success of entrepreneurs throughout our region.
The SBDC and APEX Accelerator Team at UAH
Michelle, Marc, Kris, Dan, and Todd
Applications Now Open for Singing River Trail Launch Tank 2026
Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner in North Alabama looking for a chance to showcase your business idea and win funding? The Singing River Trail (SRT) Launch Tank is back for its fifth year! Modeled after the popular “Shark Tank” competition, SRT Launch Tank offers a platform for innovative startups and small businesses to pitch their ideas live in front of an audience of business leaders, public officials, and community members. Finalists will compete for funding and support to take their business to the next level!
Who can apply: Entrepreneurs who live or work in Colbert, DeKalb, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, or Morgan counties.
Application Deadline: March 22, 2026 Finalists Announced: April 7, 2026 Final Pitch Competition: April 21, 2026, Live pitch event in Florence, AL
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain visibility, connect with influential stakeholders, and secure funding for your business!