FAIRFIELD, LA – The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), in conjunction with First NBC Bank, is currently accepting applications for the 2015 JEDCO Challenge, its third annual pitch competition for entrepreneurs with ties to Jefferson Parish. Held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, an event produced by The Idea Village, the 2015 JEDCO Challenge will elevate opportunities for early-stage companies in the area.
The competition will be held on Monday, March 23, at Southport Hall in front of a panel of Jefferson Parish business leaders and an audience of their peers. Finalists will be judged on a seven-minute pitch and a business plan, which must be submitted in advance of the competition. The crowd will have an opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite entrepreneur, contributing to the overall scoring process of the competition. The winning pitch will receive $20,000 in direct capital and additional in-kind business services to help grow the company locally.
For the first time ever, entrepreneurs chosen to pitch in the 2015 JEDCO Challenge will also be eligible to participate in the 2015 Big Idea pitch competition. The Big Idea is the world's largest crowd driven pitch event that closes out New Orleans Entrepreneur Week as local entrepreneurs vie for the public's support to propel them into the final round of the competition, where $25,000 is on the table.
JEDCO is looking for entrepreneurs with unique ideas that have the high potential to grow and positively impact Jefferson Parish. Entrepreneurs are urged to apply for the challenge on JEDCO's website. They must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
Must live, work or have a strong presence in Jefferson Parish
Must generate less than $500,000 in revenue
Must have less than 5 employees
Must be a for-profit company
The deadline to apply is Friday, Dec. 12. Applicants will be narrowed down through a rigorous review process. Finalists will be chosen in mid-January to provide two months for pitch preparation and business plan assistance.
The entrepreneur challenge will be held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) for the third year in a row. NOEW is the annual festival celebrating business, innovation and advanced thinking in New Orleans. The event engages a dynamic global network of entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, non-profits, students and professionals to support growing companies and elevate entrepreneurial successes through eight days of discussion, debate, education, competition and celebration.
Event sponsors include First NBC Bank, Sandler Training, Gambel Communications and Ardyn Thriffiley & Associates.
JEDCO is currently accepting additional donations of in-kind services and capital to grow the JEDCO Challenge prize package.
