FAIRFIELD, LA – The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), in conjunction with title sponsor First NBC Bank, is currently accepting applications for the 2016 JEDCO Challenge, its fourth annual pitch competition for entrepreneurs with ties to Jefferson Parish.
Held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, presented by IBERIABANK, the 2016 JEDCO Challenge will elevate opportunities for early-stage companies in the area.
JEDCO seeks 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 fewer than 5 full-time employees
• Must be a for-profit company
The competition will be held on Monday, March 14, 2016, 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.
The application is live on JEDCO's website.
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2015.
Applicants will be narrowed down through a rigorous review process.
Finalists will be chosen in mid-December.
For the fourth year in a row, the entrepreneur challenge will be held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW). NOEW is the annual festival produced by The Idea Village celebrating business, innovation and new 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.
The JEDCO Challenge, powered by First NBC Bank, is a premiere annual event in Jefferson Parish.
Past winners include:
• InnoGenomics Technologies (2015) developed a blood test that can detect and monitor certain types of cancers
• PortaVision Medical (2014) designed an X-Ray to be used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units to enhance the health of premature babies
• ICONIC (2013) developed a healthy meal replacement beverage for on-the-go individuals
The JEDCO Challenge would not be possible without support from the regional business community.
Contribute to the 2016 JEDCO Challenge prize package here
2015 Sponsors included First NBC Bank, 365 Connect, Ardyn Thriffily and Associates, ARPR, Atmos Energy, Biz New Orleans, Business Innovation Center at Churchill, Carver, Darden, Koretzsky, Tessier, Finn, Blossman & Areaux, LLC, Cox Communications, Daul Insurance, Gambel Communications, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, LaPorte CPAs and Business Advisors, MMI Culinary Services, M S Benbow & Associates, Postlethwaite & Netterville, Sandler Training, and Simmons & White.
2015 JEDCO Challenge supporting partners included Jefferson Parish, The Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, Idea Village, Elmwood Business Association, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Gillis, Ellis & Baker, Greater New Orleans, Inc., New Orleans BioInnovation Center, New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, Propeller & 504ward.
