Portabella’s has been named the winner of the Foley Main Street Pitch Contest, earning a spot in the Main Street Alabama regional competition and a chance to secure additional grant funding for …
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Portabella’s has been named the winner of the Foley Main Street Pitch Contest, earning a spot in the Main Street Alabama regional competition and a chance to secure additional grant funding for business expansion.
According to a news release, the contest is part of the Bright Ideas grant program, which is injecting nearly $400,000 into emerging and growing businesses within Designated Main Street Alabama Districts. Powered by ALSPARK, a Main Street Alabama initiative, and supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the program aims to energize small businesses across the state.
Open exclusively to businesses in the Foley Main Street District and current 2024-2025 Foley Main Street supporters, the competition provided an opportunity for local businesses to pitch their expansion ideas through a three-minute video presentation. Six businesses vied for the top spot: As Seasons Change Down South, Colt Grill, BBQ & Spirits, Dorothy June Booksellers, Feast & Co., Southern Shores Eats & Drinks, and Portabella’s.
After a competitive selection process, Portabella’s emerged victorious, securing the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 grant at the Main Street Alabama regional level. A win there would advance the restaurant to the 2025 Bright Ideas State Finals, where an additional $25,000 grant will be up for grabs.
A panel of experienced business leaders judged the competition, bringing expertise in finance, economic development, and entrepreneurship:
Richard Busby serves as Senior Community Development Manager for Regions Bank and has held leadership roles at Avadian Credit Union, Wells Fargo, Wachovia and SouthTrust. He also serves on multiple boards supporting small business growth.
Mike Dow, a former mayor of Mobile, led $2 billion in downtown redevelopment and helped secure $8 billion in foreign manufacturing investment. Now involved in AI cybersecurity and alternative medicine development, Dow also co-leads efforts to support veterans facing PTSD and addiction.
Danette Richards, Senior Director of Small Business Development at the Mobile Chamber, has an extensive background in business consulting, training, and economic development. She has been recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Women in Business Champion at both the state and national levels.
Foley Main Street Executive Director Darrelyn Dunmore emphasized the importance of the competition in fostering business growth.
“We are thrilled to support our downtown businesses and celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit,” Dunmore said in the release. “The Bright Ideas program and the SPARK initiative provide vital funding and resources to help small businesses thrive, and we are excited to see Portabella’s represent Downtown Foley at the regional level and, hopefully, at the state competition!”
In addition to celebrating the success of Portabella’s, Foley Main Street has announced the implementation of AL Spark, an initiative designed to energize and support emerging businesses in designated Main Street Alabama communities. Backed by the Small Business Administration, AL Spark empowers locally directed business development while preserving the unique character of downtown districts.
As part of this effort, seven Downtown Foley businesses have been awarded an AL Spark Illuminate marketing grant of $1,000, funded through Main Street Alabama and the Small Business Administration:
AL Spark supports Foley Main Street businesses through three key programs: Livewire, which provides business development resources and training; Illuminate, which offers marketing grants to increase visibility; and Bright Ideas, which encourages innovation through a competitive pitch contest.
Main Street Alabama President & State Coordinator Mary Helmer Wirth highlighted the program’s role in strengthening local economies.
“We are absolutely thrilled to introduce AL Spark, igniting Main Street Alabama’s small businesses and entrepreneurs!” Wirth said. “This vibrant new initiative is dedicated to unlocking the potential of small businesses in Alabama. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Small Business Administration for the grant, which enables us to uplift small businesses in our designated cities and foster a thriving local economy.”
Foley Main Street President Wes Abrams, of Riviera Utilities, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the impact of Main Street Alabama’s support.
“This program is an example of the benefit it brings to the city of Foley and downtown businesses to be part of the Main Street program,” Abrams said. “We are thankful for the financial and educational support Main Street Alabama provides for our businesses and organization.”
With AL Spark fueling local business growth and Portabella’s advancing to the regional competition, Foley’s downtown business community is poised for continued success.
