Bryson Hannah celebrates his first-place finish in the 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition in Birmingham, earning $5,000 for Internably LLC, his networking platform connecting college interns across the country. (Alabama A&M) ” data-large-file=”https://www.birminghamtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/pitchbryson1edit-1024×685.jpg” />

Special to the Times

The Alabama Collective and co-host Digitalundivided awarded $20,000 in cash prizes to HBCU student and alumni founders at the 2026 HBCU Business Pitch Competition, held Thursday, October 29, at Topgolf Birmingham as part of Magic City Classic week.

Fifty-one founders representing 10 Alabama institutions competed in a booth-style format, delivering three-minute pitches with no slides or audiovisual aids, followed by three minutes of questions from a panel of industry judges. Top scorers at each booth earned $1,000 and advanced to a live Pitch Finale.

Internably, LLC, founded by Bryson Hannah of Alabama A&M University, took first place and $4,000. Internably is a networking platform that connects college students, interns, and early career professionals by company, school, city, and career interests.

“I was blown away by these innovative business ideas and the go-to-market strategies,” says Modupe Rouse, Digitalundivided Chair and Pitch Finale Judge. “These student founders took the START program skills and leveled up. I cannot wait for the economic impact of their businesses in Alabama,” added Rouse.

“What we witnessed at this year’s competition was a powerful reminder of the incredible talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential emerging from Alabama’s HBCUs,” said Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of The Alabama Collective. “These 51 founders didn’t just show up with ideas — they showed up with vision, determination, and the confidence to turn those ideas into businesses. We’re especially proud that this year’s partnership with Digitalundivided allowed us to expand beyond the competition itself, equipping entrepreneurs with business skills to launch their businesses, coaching, and connections that will serve them long after the prizes are awarded. Our goal is not simply to celebrate great pitches, but to help build the next generation of successful entrepreneurs and business owners across Alabama.”

“Digitalundivided is delighted to partner with TAC in its work with Alabama HBCUs and in supporting the innovation and talent of students here,” says Leah D. Williams, CEO of Digitalundivided. “These student founders are the business leaders of tomorrow. We are excited to add the Digitalundivided network lifting them up as they climb towards their future achievements.”

2026 Pitch Finale Winners

First Place, $4,000: Internably, LLC — Alabama A&M University
Second Place, $3,000: FuelTrip — Alabama A&M University
Third Place, $2,000: NexU — Alabama A&M University

Top-Scoring Booth Winners, $1,000 each

• VARA — Talladega College
• Yardly — Alabama State University
• AccessBelt — Alabama State University
• Nightshift — Talladega College
• FuelTrip — Alabama A&M University
• NexU — Alabama A&M University
• Internably, LLC — Alabama A&M University
• Mobile Therapy Office/Unlimited Potential — Alabama State University
• BeVerified — Alabama State University
• The Vent Avengers — Trenholm State Community College

A New Path to the Stage

The 2026 competition introduced two entry tracks. Members of The Alabama Collective community were invited to apply to START, Digitalundivided’s flagship pre-revenue incubator, a three-week virtual program grounded in Lean Startup methodology. Selected participants built a working Business Model Canvas, earned an automatic slot in the Round 1 pitch booths, and received a $250 completion stipend on event day. Alabama HBCU students, recent graduates, faculty and staff filled the remaining booths and brought in founders new to the organization.

Alongside the competition, the day included entrepreneurship training, small group mentoring with industry leaders, and a Lunch and Learn fireside chat.

The 2026 competition was supported by JPMorgan Chase, HBCU CARES and NEBIUS.

About The Alabama Collective

The Alabama Collective is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to elevating tech talent and entrepreneurs across Alabama. Through partnerships with HBCUs, industry leaders, and innovation hubs, The Alabama Collective builds programs that expose, educate, engage, and empower underrepresented communities in tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

About Digitalundivided

For over a decade, Digitalundivided has increased visibility and access for founders. Beginning with groundbreaking research and expanding into founder-centric training programs, strategic partnerships, and a vibrant founder community, Digitalundivided champions an equitable entrepreneurial landscape and provides founders at every stage with the space to improvise and innovate.

Based on reporting by Birmingham Times.

Madison Holmes wanted to leave Southern University. Now, she calls the Martin Luther King Jr. Catholic Student Center home.

The center’s new computer lab has become one of the places where Holmes feels calm, supported and connected to campus life. Holmes said she struggled with being away from her support system in Pass Christian, Mississippi, while also managing difficult classes. At the time, transferring closer to home seemed like a better option.

She recalled going to the library one day to print a lab report and finding a long line at the printer. “I was like, ‘Oh, wait. I know where I can go,’” Holmes said. “So, I came here and printed out my lab report, and then I took it to class.” Her experience is one example of how the center provides students with a place to turn when they need support.

The computer lab opened in October after the project began in August 2026. An anonymous private benefactor provided funding that helped pay for the lab and other improvements throughout the building.

The Rev. Thomas F. Clark, chaplain of the Martin Luther King Jr. Catholic Student Center, said the center aims to support students as they adjust to college life away from home. “You realize that when you’re away from home for the first time, you’re trying to make your way,” Clark said.

According to Clark, students often expressed the need for additional study space. Others shared concerns about unreliable laptops or computer crashes, concerns that ultimately helped shape the decision to add a computer lab.

The lab is one of several resources available to students. The center also provides Wi-Fi, study space and approximately 50 meals every Thursday at 5 p.m. Located across from Bethune Hall, the Martin Luther King Jr. Catholic Student Center has served Southern University students for decades.

According to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge, Father Rawlin B. Enette advocated for a stronger Catholic presence at Southern in the late 1960s. Construction on the center began in 1969 after land was donated by a university official.

Originally known as the Newman Center, the building was later renamed the Martin Luther King Jr. Catholic Student Center. Southern University art professor Frank Hayden also created religious artwork for the facility.

While the center provides practical resources, it also offers students a place to slow down, reflect and feel supported. For Holmes, Clark is part of that support system. “I do think that Father Clark is a safe space and a person I could go to,” Holmes said.

That sense of availability is intentional. Clark said students sometimes stop by with personal concerns or during times of stress. They talk and, in some cases, pray together as he helps students navigate the semester.

“We just feel that we can add to that support by being available and providing a warm and friendly place,” Clark said. As students navigate the challenges of college life, the Martin Luther King Jr. Catholic Student Center continues to offer a place of support, community and encouragement. For Holmes, it has become a home away from home.

Gallery • 3 Photos Brianna Meeks Interior shots of the newly create computer lab.

Based on reporting by Southern University – SouthernDIGEST.

Smart ways tech companies can speed up timelines for developing software include automating repetitive tasks to free up time and using AI-powered tools to accelerate development and decision-making. They can also improve team collaboration with centralized project management platforms and adopt continuous integration and delivery to reduce deployment delays.

Management consulting and technology firm ZS found that early launch performance is highly volatile, so it’s important that you have your products ready and launched on time.

Developing software is easier said than done, though, and it’s common to experience delays. Speed things up and streamline operations, so you launch as planned.

Can You Automate Repetitive Tasks to Free Up Time for High-Value Work?

Many project bottlenecks come from repetitive tasks that pile up, and in reality, these don’t need much human judgment. It’s much better to automate these tasks so that human workers can focus on high-value work instead.

Things you can automate include:

• Testing
• Code deployment
• Report generation
• Routine data entry

Automating these tasks also ensures better consistency and accuracy. Just make sure to only automate work where processes are already well-defined.

Use AI-Powered Tools to Accelerate Development and Decision-Making

Agile development should involve AI, as it can reduce the time spent on coding, research, documentation, and troubleshooting. With analytic tools, you can analyze large amounts of data to find key issues such as bottlenecks and tasks that may fall behind schedule.

Do note that these outputs will still need human review. Without it, you may be following erroneous reports, and this can put your project even further behind.

Improve Team Collaboration With Centralized Project Management Platforms

Engineering efficiency hugely depends on good communication, and this can be difficult when there are these stakeholders:

• Developers
• Designers
• Product managers

You may even need staff augmentation in software development to help in areas where you have a lack of people, and this adds to the chaos.

The best way to handle communication is to use centralized project management platforms. Your teams can easily see which tasks need to be done, as well as which ones are already complete. The platforms will also show what dependencies there are and who’s responsible for which tasks.

In addition, you can take it a step further and integrate these platforms with development tools and communication platforms.

Should You Adopt Continuous Integration and Delivery to Reduce Deployment Delays?

Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices are vital if you want to speed up your timelines. They can reduce the risks that come with large and infrequent releases, as well as reduce the manual work required.

Implementing these practices can shorten feedback loops, as you can catch defects earlier. As a result, software delivery will be more efficient and faster.

Stay on Track When Developing Software

Developing software can be a monumental task, especially when you have multiple people on the job. If you stay organized, though, and use the right tools, you’ll be able to deliver a quality product exactly when you want to.

Check out more of our pages now to find additional informative articles.

Content provided through ContentManagerIO.

Turning potential customers into paying clients often comes down to what happens after the first inquiry. Fast responses, clear ownership, and consistent follow-up keep promising leads from slipping through the cracks.

How many leads slipped away last month because nobody called them back in time?

A contact form comes in on a Tuesday night, the message sits in an inbox until Thursday, and by then the customer has booked with someone else.

Most small businesses get plenty of interest. After someone reaches out, their inquiry lands in one of a dozen places: email, text messages, social media DMs, a sticky note on the desk. Closing more of those leads comes down to a few habits and the right tools to hold them in place.

How Do You Show Customers Your Value Right Away?

A potential customer decides within a few seconds whether your business deserves a reply. Your website headline, your first email, and the greeting on your voicemail all need to answer one question: what does this person get by choosing you?

Here’s what a strong first response covers:

• The specific problem you solve: Name it in the customer’s own words
• The result they can expect: Point to an outcome, such as a monthly savings figure
• What happens next: Give one clear action, like booking a call or requesting a quote

How Quickly Should You Respond to a New Lead?

A lead who just filled out a form is still thinking about the problem that sent them looking. Calling back within the hour catches them while they’re comparing options, and a same-day reply puts your business at the top of a short list.

Lead management software sends an automatic text or email the moment a request comes in, confirming you received it and telling the customer when to expect a call. A brief acknowledgment keeps them from clicking on the next search result.

Use Social Proof to Reduce Hesitation

In a digital world full of scams, it’s understandable that prospects would be skeptical about your business. Proof from real customers answers those doubts better than any claim you make about yourself.

Here are a few places to put that proof to work:

• Google reviews:Ask happy customers for a review
• Before-and-after photos: Show finished work on your website and social pages
• Short testimonials: Add a customer quote to your quote replies and follow-up emails

Remove Friction From the Buying Process

Every extra step between a customer’s yes and their payment gives them a chance to reconsider. A quote form with 12 fields, a booking process that needs a phone call during business hours, or a price they have to ask for all slow the decision down.

Trim your forms to a name, contact details, and a short description of the job. Let customers book appointments online, sign estimates from their phone, and pay by card or digital wallet.

Walk through your own process as a first-time customer would, and count how many times you’d have to wait on someone else.

Converting Potential Customers Starts With the Next Inquiry

Potential customers who fill out your contact form already want what you sell. What happens in the hour after they hit submit decides whether they buy from you or sign with a competitor.

Read more informative business content on our website.

Content provided through ContentManagerIO.

Smart ways tech companies can speed up timelines for developing software include automating repetitive tasks to free up time and using AI-powered tools to accelerate development and decision-making. They can also improve team collaboration with centralized project management platforms and adopt continuous integration and delivery to reduce deployment delays.

Management consulting and technology firm ZS found that early launch performance is highly volatile, so it’s important that you have your products ready and launched on time.

Developing software is easier said than done, though, and it’s common to experience delays. Speed things up and streamline operations, so you launch as planned.

Can You Automate Repetitive Tasks to Free Up Time for High-Value Work?

Many project bottlenecks come from repetitive tasks that pile up, and in reality, these don’t need much human judgment. It’s much better to automate these tasks so that human workers can focus on high-value work instead.

Things you can automate include:

• Testing
• Code deployment
• Report generation
• Routine data entry

Automating these tasks also ensures better consistency and accuracy. Just make sure to only automate work where processes are already well-defined.

Use AI-Powered Tools to Accelerate Development and Decision-Making

Agile development should involve AI, as it can reduce the time spent on coding, research, documentation, and troubleshooting. With analytic tools, you can analyze large amounts of data to find key issues such as bottlenecks and tasks that may fall behind schedule.

Do note that these outputs will still need human review. Without it, you may be following erroneous reports, and this can put your project even further behind.

Improve Team Collaboration With Centralized Project Management Platforms

Engineering efficiency hugely depends on good communication, and this can be difficult when there are these stakeholders:

• Developers
• Designers
• Product managers

You may even need staff augmentation in software development to help in areas where you have a lack of people, and this adds to the chaos.

The best way to handle communication is to use centralized project management platforms. Your teams can easily see which tasks need to be done, as well as which ones are already complete. The platforms will also show what dependencies there are and who’s responsible for which tasks.

In addition, you can take it a step further and integrate these platforms with development tools and communication platforms.

Should You Adopt Continuous Integration and Delivery to Reduce Deployment Delays?

Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) practices are vital if you want to speed up your timelines. They can reduce the risks that come with large and infrequent releases, as well as reduce the manual work required.

Implementing these practices can shorten feedback loops, as you can catch defects earlier. As a result, software delivery will be more efficient and faster.

Stay on Track When Developing Software

Developing software can be a monumental task, especially when you have multiple people on the job. If you stay organized, though, and use the right tools, you’ll be able to deliver a quality product exactly when you want to.

Check out more of our pages now to find additional informative articles.

Content provided through ContentManagerIO.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned residents about rising cryptocurrency fraud and online sextortion scams, urging Californians to recognize warning signs and protect themselves as scammers increasingly target younger people through social media.

Speaking at a news conference on Oct. 19, Bonta said Americans lost $20.9 billion to internet-based scams in 2025, including $11.4 billion to cryptocurrency scams. He said artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and malicious smart contracts have made fraud easier to carry out and more difficult to detect and prevent.

While older Californians remain targets, Bonta said his office has seen a sharp rise in reports of Gen Z consumers being targeted on platforms such as Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram.

One growing scheme involves so-called rug-pull scams, in which fraudsters promote low-priced stocks or volatile cryptocurrencies through online investment groups and streaming communities. After generating interest and driving up prices, scammers sell their holdings, causing values to collapse and leaving investors with losses.

Bonta also warned about sextortion, in which scammers trick or coerce victims into sharing explicit images before threatening to distribute them to friends and family unless they pay. He advised victims not to give in to demands, saying scammers often do not release the images when victims refuse to pay. Instead, he recommended ignoring and blocking the perpetrators.

Another scheme, known as recovery fraud, targets people who have already lost money to cryptocurrency scams. Fraudsters impersonate blockchain recovery specialists or law enforcement officials and demand additional payments while promising to recover stolen assets.

Bonta urged Californians to be skeptical of promises of large returns on small investments, fake cryptocurrencies resembling established ones, and celebrity endorsements that may have been generated using artificial intelligence. He also warned that scammers can use AI to impersonate loved ones through manipulated video and audio.

“Never use a crypto ATM,” Bonta said, emphasizing that transactions can be difficult to trace and reverse and that the machines lack adequate consumer protections.

His office has shut down more than 100 fraudulent websites over the past two years that collectively scammed victims out of at least $8.3 million, he said.

Bonta also highlighted Senate Bill 1208, which he said was recently signed into law. The measure allows law enforcement to petition a court to return seized cryptocurrency to victims, including when alleged perpetrators are outside U.S. jurisdiction.

Residents who have fallen victim to scams can report them to the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/report.

Bonta also urged victims not to feel embarrassed, stressing that scammers are responsible for the harm they cause.