Got an idea for a business that you're aching to share? Ever dream of being on a show like Shark Tank or giving a TED-style talk to showcase an entrepreneurial idea that excites, motivates, and drives you? Startup St. Bernard, just minutes away from the heart of downtown New Orleans, may just have an opportunity that you can't miss out on!
Applications to pitch your business to Startup St. Bernard are now live and will be open until June 10. Aspiring entrepreneurs with big ideas for contributing to the greater New Orleans' area are welcome and encouraged to share their business plans with the initiative.
Organized by St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation and the Meraux Foundation, the competition has taken place annually for the last eight years and aims to showcase St. Bernard Parish as a key community for economic vitality and growth, where young businesses, especially startups, can thrive. Each year, submissions for the competition are reviewed by Startup St. Bernard's very own committee of business experts, who choose three finalists to ultimately pitch their ideas to a panel of experienced judges.
The final pitch date for 2022 is scheduled to take place on August 4 at Docville Farm and will be open to the public, where you can watch the finalists deliver enthusiastic entrepreneurial startup ideas to the expert panel. The three finalists will each win a cash prize of $5,000, but the ultimate winner, chosen by Startup St. Bernard, will receive a grand prize package, valuing over $100,000 in both cash and in-kind services. Along with this, the winning startup has the opportunity to grow into an entrepreneurial powerhouse through the nurturing help of the St. Bernard Parish community!
Over the past decade, the competition has helped to establish a range of startup businesses and is looking to find another young and promising business venture for the community of New Orleans. Think you got what it takes? Don't wait to apply today!
