NEW ORLEANS – Chaffe McCall, L.L.P, recently presented to New Orleans based start-up Grad Square The “Chaffe Entrepreneur Challenge Award” in collaboration with The Idea Village.
Winners were chosen after four local entrepreneurs participated in an interview process to compete for free legal services and organization/ structure advice provided by Chaffe McCall – valued at $45,000.
The Chaffe Entrepreneur Challenge, now in its 3rd year, is a feature of The Idea Village’s Entrepreneur Season and a competition where local entrepreneurs participate in an interview process to showcase their case for need of legal services.
“We understand that entrepreneurial activity drives economic growth, and we’re delighted to be a part of that entrepreneurial landscape in the Gulf South,” William H. Langenstein, partner at Chaffe McCall and driving force behind the Chaffe Entrepreneur Challenge, said. “Chaffe McCall is proud to partner with The Idea Village to present the 3rd Annual Chaffe Entrepreneur Challenge and provide promising business ventures the tools they need to turn an innovative idea into a success story.”
The Chaffe Entrepreneur Challenge is a business competition where The Idea Village nominates four entrepreneurs from its 2015 Strategic Consulting Portfolio who exhibit great ideas and potential for growth. Each local nominee is selected based on the venture’s need for legal advice, and mentoring. Additionally, engagement level, presentation to committee members and stage of business development are factors taken into consideration.
Each entrepreneur made a business presentation to advocate its case for legal services and fielded questions from a panel of Chaffe McCall partners. Chaffe McCall’s judges evaluated the entrepreneurs based on their community impact, unique ideas and need for legal assistance. After conferring, the panel awarded the Chaffe Entrepreneur Challenge prize package to Grad Square.
“Grad Square in particular stood out with a drive and passion,” said E. Howell Crosby, Chaffe McCall New Orleans Partner. “We also felt we could provide the necessary counsel to bring them to the next level.”
Grad Square is a centralized platform where employers can find graduates from universities, and universities can gain valuable information on the market traction of their graduates. Essentially, Grad Square seeks to bridge the gap between universities and industry. Grad Square not only provides universities with a data-driven picture of their students’ career prospects after they graduate, but furnishes a product that makes it easy for graduates to meet employers and recruiters who are looking for their talent.
