Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) has announced its collaboration with First NBC Bank for the second annual JEDCO Challenge, a pitch competition showcasing the brightest entrepreneurs living and working in Jefferson Parish with unique ideas that have the high potential to grow and positively impact the area. The bank is now the presenting sponsor, donating $10,000 to the winners of the challenge.
“It is a priority of First NBC Bank to positively impact communities where we do business,” says Ashton J. Ryan Jr., President and CEO of First NBC Bank. “The entrepreneurial spirit has always played a major role in thriving economies and we see that infusion of new ideas and products taking hold throughout Jefferson Parish and the remainder of the River Region. Through the JEDCO Challenge, we are furthering our role within the entrepreneurial community and finding new ways to engage and assist companies as they journey toward growth and sustainability. This is a wonderful partnership and we are proud to be a part of this event,” added Ryan.
The Challenge will be held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week on March 25th, 2014. The application is now open online and will close on February 7th, 2014.
“The goal is really to engage with a lot of the entrepreneurs that live and work in Jefferson Parish and to provide them with a platform to promote their businesses,” said Kelsey Scram from JEDCO. “It’s also an opportunity for our business leaders and investors to see what kind of new talent we have in our community.” It’s about increasing the economic activity in the community through entrepreneurship, Scram continued.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Must live, work or have a strong presence in Jefferson Parish
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Must generate less than $1 million in revenue
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Must have less than 10 employees
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Must be a for-profit company
“We are honored to be working with First BNC Bank to elevate opportunities for our entrepreneurs,” said Jerry Bologna, executive director of JEDCO. “First NBC Bank has a long history in Jefferson Parish and has proven to be a major asset to our entire region. With a background for assisting small businesses as they work to grow and find success locally, First NBC Bank is the perfect presenting sponsor.
JEDCO has also announced a new educational seminar series for small businesses and startups. It’s called Grow with JEDCO, which will focus in on a number of different topics. Click here for more information.