AVONDALE, La. – The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) introduced the five early-stage companies scheduled to compete in the seventh annual JEDCO Challenge powered by Greater Lakeside Corporation. The JEDCO Challenge is a Jefferson Parish-based business pitch competition created to elevate opportunities for local startup companies. It has become a premier event for Jefferson Parish. Details were shared in a press release.
JEDCO received 35 applications from entrepreneurs with ties to Jefferson Parish this year. Through a rigorous review process, a selection committee of business leaders chose five companies to participate in the live pitch event at the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts on May 14 at 5 p.m.
The JEDCO Challenge features a diverse group of startup companies with backgrounds in a variety of industries tied to Jefferson Parish.
MEET THE ENTREPRENEURS
Don't Get Mad Get Paid, by Simone Spence
Don't Get Mad Get Paid is changing how moms collect unpaid child support through their tech solution. The techplatform locates the absent parent, finds his income, assets (both real and personal) and then generates the state-specific legal documents necessary to place liens on and seize assets that have been found, allowing mom to collect faster and more efficiently. Don't Get Mad Get Paid is looking to put a big dent in the $117 billion in unpaid child support that has been left on the table by millions of frustrated women across the country.
nDorse, by Rohan Walvekar
nDorse is a mobile and web based software application that allows co-workers and team members to provide realtime positive feedback based on fulfillment of one or more institutional core values. nDorseis easy to use and allows employees to give and receive meaningful feedback in a quick and efficient manner. It empowers individuals in the organization to recognize one another, transcending barriers of geography, time and hierarchy to create brand ambassadors. The technology provides valuable data and analytics to the organization, allowing company leadership to understand the positive benefits created through peer-to-peer recognition. nDorse documents these efforts and how they translate into employee satisfaction and turnover rates. The goal is to create a company culture that fosters positivity, compassion and cohesiveness.
Poof, by Jeanne O'Leary
Poof Cotton Candy gave the classic confection the costume change it so desperately needed. The company's gourmet, hand crafted flavors like King Cake, Cookies & Cream and Toasted Coconut are dressed with sprinkles, edible glitters and other delicious morsels like crumbled cookies. Poof's single serving, 110-calorie pinwheels are perfect for wedding and party favors, client gifts, swag bag additions and an afternoon pick-me-up. Poof Cotton Candy is manufactured in Jefferson Parish.
Rent Check, Lydia Winkler & Marco Nelson
RentCheck provides security and serenity to renters and landlords alike with a standardized process ensuring lasting financial benefit. RentCheck can service 21 million independent landlords and small businesses who manage 95% of the rental market. We offer an app that saves money, time and prevents grief by standardizing move-in and move-out inspections and streamlining the security deposit deduction process. RentCheck was founded in 2018.
RePurpose Food Co., by Shani Christopher
RePurpose Food Company produces healthy baby food made from simple ingredients manufactured with rescued produce (i.e. perfectly good vegetables that don't make it to the grocery stores because of excess amounts or because of the way they look). By using produce that would otherwise be discarded, RePurpose reduces food waste while making healthy food more accessible. The baby food is sold primarily through a subscription model, serving as a customizable meal plan delivery service for babies and their busy, health-conscious parents. RePurpose works with community and nonprofit partners to manufacture and distribute the product to underserved communities, as well as to provide additional supplemental education. Additionally, RePurpose reuses all packaging to lower the environmental impact of the product.
During the event, each company will have just seven minutes to present a live pitch in front of a panel of Jefferson Parish business leaders. Entrepreneurs will be scored based upon the live pitch, a condensed business plan submitted in advance of the competition, and a crowd vote. JEDCO will give every person in the crowd an opportunity to choose their favorite startup after all five entrepreneurs have pitched. A number of points will be awarded to the crowd favorite, and then added to that company's overall score. The entrepreneur who delivers the winning pitch will receive $20,000 in direct capital and additional in-kind services such as marketing, accounting, and legal assistance. A second place prize will be given to the runner-up as well.
JEDCO created the JEDCO Challenge in 2013 to identify, engage with, and assist up-and-coming innovators. The goal of the competition is to elevate opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the area through direct capital, business services, increased visibility and mentorship. Previous winners include Be Well Nutrition (ICONIC), PortaVision Medical, InnoGenomics Technologies, Bhoomi Cane Water, Chosen Diagnostics, and Instapath.
Register for the event here.
