IDEAcorps is the nationally-recognized experiential learning program that engages MBA students to provide strategic consulting to select high-growth New Orleans entrepreneurs during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW).
The 2013 Tulane IDEAcorps team was assigned to work with former IDEAxcelerator company eTax Credit Exchange.
Teams from from University of California Berkely, University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Samuel Curtis Johnson School of Management of Cornell University, Loyola College of Business, A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School are providing direct strategic consulting to New Orleans entrepreneurs throughout the week. To date, the program has engaged over 500 individuals from over 20 business schools across the country.
The Cornell team is working with SNAP Real Estate Photography, a media-tech company that creates marketing content for selling real estate listings faster and at higher prices.
Students from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business have been working with 4D Supplements, makers of a dietary supplement that is now sold in Smoothie King.
The startup that puts mobile technology in the hands of every museum and cultural institution, CultureConnect, is receiving strategic consulting from the University of Chicago team. The company, which handles all the publishing while clients focus on content, launched last night.
Loyola business students are working with Cajun Fire Brewing Company, an independent craft beer producer based right here in New Orleans. The founders have plans to move into a location by the fall and open by late 2014.
The second local team, Tulane, is providing assistance to KREWE du optic, the sunglasses company that makes handcrafted boutique eyeglass frames and lenses. KREWE launched their first line in August 2013 and are now sold in over 30 stores throughout the south.
Last but not least, the Wharton team is working with mSchool, the startup that helps communities open and lead a one classroom micro-school. Founder Elliot Sanchez is a 4.0 Schools Launch program alum and has been working to bring his training and education technology to new communities ever since.
“The program has catalyzed the New Orleans entrepreneurial community and created a real-world experience with entrepreneurship,” said Tim Williamson, co-Founder and CEO of The Idea Village.
“It is exciting to see top MBAs from around the country competing for this hands-on entrepreneurial program in New Orleans,” said Sara Thomas, 2009 IDEAcorps alum and now director of the program. “IDEAcorps is a chance for MBA students to gain true startup experience, while contributing to the growth of New Orleans’ entrepreneurial community. The program has grown steadily since its inception because both the MBA teams and entrepreneurs receive tremendous impact.”
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We’d like to thank our sponsors for SBN’s involvement in New Orleans Entrepreneur Week: 365 Connect, Federated Sample, and Peer Partners. Want to be a sponsor? Email Julia@SiliconBayouNews.com! 