$100,000 grant for Innovation Portal’s TechAcademy contributes to a thriving, inclusive economy.

MOBILE, Ala. – The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, and Innovation Portal on Tuesday announced a $100,000 grant from the Foundation to support Innovation Portal’s TechAcademy.

The TechAcademy by Regions Foundation is a business accelerator program designed to empower under-resourced business owners in Mobile and along the Gulf Coast. The Regions Foundation announced the launch of the innovative program last year. Today’s grant announcement coincides with the recent the 2024 TechAcademy Graduation, where 18 companies celebrated completion of the program by networking and pitching their businesses.

“We’re building on our investment in Innovation Portal for one key reason – this is a program that works,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “Consider the entrepreneurs who have graduated from this program and are thriving here at home. Thanks to the tools, training and resources provided by Innovation Portal, they have a competitive edge that they otherwise might not have been able to attain. By supporting the TechAcademy Accelerator, we’re creating more inclusive prosperity, and the ripple effect reaches not just entrepreneurs, but their employees, families, and broader communities.”

TechAcademy is an eight-week program that introduces entrepreneurs to essential technology tools such as cloud computing, database management, and workflow optimization. Participants also receive mentorship and access to strategic resources aimed at helping them overcome challenges and scale their businesses.

Morgan Crawford, a former collegiate basketball player, founded the Moxie League. The organization is dedicated to fostering confidence, leadership, and teamwork in young girls through basketball mentoring and skills, as well as career mentoring. She credits Innovation Portal’s TechAcademy by Regions Foundation with helping her develop her mission.

“TechAcademy helped me develop my public-facing initiative, which provides a competitive and supportive environment for women to excel both on and off the court,” said Crawford. “The program provided us with invaluable business development guidance and connections to local partners, which have been essential in shaping our vision. The help I got has allowed me to create a supportive environment where I can help others.”

Crawford’s work was just honored as an “Everyday Hero” at the espnW Woman+Sports Summit. The recognition honors people who create change and opportunity for women and girls in their communities through sports.

“This program empowers entrepreneurs through technology that helps their companies run more smoothly,” said Bruner Binion, Mobile market executive for Regions Bank. “As a result, business owners can spend more time leaning into their own skills and experience and building success.

Binion attended at the gBeta Showcase following the graduation where entrepreneurs presented their business ideas and networked. The gBETA Gulf Coast program was funded with tax credits provided by Regions Bank.

“It was wonderful to see the companies complete the program by pitching their businesses,” Binion added. “They are now better prepared to embark in the next stages of their business journey.”

Because of contributions from the Regions Foundation, Innovation Portal has expanded the program to include two cohorts. With hundreds of companies already benefiting from Innovation Portal, the additional funding from the Regions Foundation will help ensure even more businesses can access tools and guidance through the TechAcademy program.

“TechAcademy has become one of our most popular programs because it directly addresses the technological challenges many entrepreneurs face. With the support of the Regions Foundation, we’re able to help accelerate business growth in meaningful ways,” said Todd Greer, executive director of Innovation Portal. “As the program continues to grow, the entrepreneurs of South Alabama are better positioned to harness technology, connect with new markets, and contribute to a thriving, inclusive economy.”