Social Venture Accelerator Teams with Entrepreneurial Hub to Launch Water Challenge Mentorship Program

Propeller Water ChallengePropeller: A Force for Social Innovation is a New Orleans-based nonprofit that works with a range of social entrepreneurs and ventures to help solve the most challenging issues in the area.

Propeller is currently recruiting entrepreneurs, nonprofits, for-profits, and organizations with new ideas to solve the region’s water challenges for the Water Challenge Peer Mentorship Program, designed to help water innovators gain access to the business expertise they will need to launch their startups.

The organization is working closely with The Idea Village, an entrepreneurial hub that launched the Water Challenge initially in 2010 hosts the annual New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW), for this spin-off initiative.

The 12-week mentorship program is a component of the upcoming 5th annual Water Challenge, which will culminate with a pitch competition valued at $10,000 during NOEW in the spring.

“Propeller is honored to be carrying on the legacy of the Water Challenge,” said Andrea Chen, Executive Director of Propeller. “Given our long-term commitment to supporting social innovation in New Orleans, we are well positioned to sustain and scale resources to leverage social entrepreneurship to tackle challenges in urban water management and coastal restoration.   We look forward to increasing the participation in this critical industry during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.”

Important Dates:

  • Thursday, August 21st, 2014 at 4:30PM & Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014 at 4:30PM: Water Challenge Q & A Sessions at Propeller (4035 Washington Ave.)
  • Sunday, October 5th, 2014:  Applications close for Water Challenge Peer Mentorship Program
  • Monday, March 23rd, 2015:  Water Challenge Day & Water Challenge Competition

Applications are currently open and will close on Sunday, October 5th. To view or share the application, click here.