This post by Blackstone Content Correspondent Summer Suleiman originally appeared on ideavillage.org.
New Orleans Entrepreneur Week is near, and we’ve had some exciting announcements this week!
Our partners at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission (JEDCO), the Downtown Development District (DDD), and Propeller announced their respective finalists for theJEDCO Challenge, the Downtown NOLA Arts Based Business Pitch, and the Water Challenge.
All of the pitches are taking place during Pitch Local, brought to you by JPMorgan Chase and Co., on Monday, March 23rd at NOEW.
In case you missed the news, we’ve rounded up all of the finalists for you below.
JEDCO Challenge Finalists
The JEDCO Challenge features a diverse group of companies with backgrounds in a variety of industries in Jefferson Parish. The goal of the competition is to elevate opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the area through direct capital, business services, increased visibility and mentorship.
Axosim Technologies
The company developed a 3D cell-based model that acts and functions like a nerve, which serves as an alternative to costly animal testing or less effective cell models. This “nerve-on-a-chip” gives pharmaceutical companies access to high content data faster, earlier and at a lower cost than currently possible, which increases the chance of clinical success and prevents harmful drugs from reaching vulnerable patients. Learn more on AxoSim’s website.
Cook Me Somethin’ Mister
The Jambalaya Girl’s locally owned family business, Cook Me Somethin’ Mister, is bringing an authentic taste of New Orleans to the world, starting with the company’s easy to prepare jambalaya and gumbo made with the finest ingredients in New Orleans. Learn more on Cook Me Somethin’ Mister’s website.
Innogenomics Technologies
InnoGenomics Technologies is dedicated to the development of innovative genetic testing solutions that solve crimes and save lives. The company’s patented technology has multiple applied science applications, including the ability to enable forensic scientists to unlock answers from the most challenging DNA evidence. Learn more on the InnoGenomics website.
myMix Nutrition
myMix Nutrition is an e-commerce store that allows you to formulate, and purchase custom protein powder products. myMix Nutrition enlisted the assistance of registered dieticians, licensed nutritionists and internal medicine doctors to review the business plan, ingredient offerings and dosage control systems to ensure product safety. Learn more on myMix Nutrition’s website.
Sock Spot
Sock Spot is a book and toy combo packaged together to include an organizing toy rack with colorful character sock clips and an illustrated storybook. Sock Spot teaches children order and tidiness, while saving time and money. Each purchase helps to fund autism research and family support. Learn more on Sock Spot’s website.
Downtown NOLA Arts Based Business Pitch Finalists
The Business Pitch is aimed at identifying and supporting entrepreneurs that have an arts-based project or product situated in the creative, architecture, technology, digital media or film/entertainment fields that benefits the Downtown Development District and is scalable.
CAD Printing LLC
CAD Printing is enhancing downtown media by applying concrete adhesive material on pavement corners to guide visitors to various landmarks in the CBD. To learn more, visit their website.
CineCorps
CineCorps is a nonprofit production company that builds relationships between satellite Hollywood productions and locally-based filmmakers.
Passion Dance Center
Passion Dance Center is a school for commercial dance and performing arts in New Orleans. To learn more, visit the website
The Wild Life Reserve
The Wild Life Reserve preserves, protects and promotes a creative ecosystem by creating a foundation for fashion designers to learn, brand and design. Learn more on their website.
Tutti Dynamics
Tutti Dynamics develops a multimedia platform that enables users to study the techniques of experts in the arts and sciences. Learn more on their website.
Water Challenge Finalists
Finalists were selected out of thirteen water entrepreneurs in Propeller’s Social Venture Accelerator and participants in the Water Challenge Peer Mentorship Program, a 12-week mentorship and peer-learning program to help nonprofit and for-profit water innovators gain the business expertise they need to launch their startups.
Advanced Berm Technologies
Advanced Berm Technologies is a berm design and deployment process that will increase the rate at which marshes are restored.
Magnolia Land Partners
Magnolia Land Partners develops wetland restoration projects in Louisiana through the sale of mitigation credits.
Greenman Dan Inc
Greenman Dan provides an underground rainwater containment system designed to solve water runoff problems while reducing landscape irrigation costs. Learn more on their website
Wetland Resources LLC
Wetland Resources provides storm protection to coastal Louisiana through massive planting of hurricane-resistant bald cypress and water tupelo.
Riverbottom Tech
Riverbottom Tech creates technology for restoring and maintaining coastal areas on a sustainable basis.
Stay tuned for more news next week! For real-time NOEW News, Follow @helloNOEW on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!