July 2014 marked the first PowerMoves.NOLA, an initiative about creating power and opportunity through entrepreneurship in New Orleans. The goal was to increase the number of high-growth, minority-owned businesses through connecting entrepreneurs to mentors, financing and technical assistance both locally and nationally.
The initiative is back again this week (July 2nd and 3rd) in conjunction with Essence Music Festival with pitches and a demo event. Over 50 minority owned tech companies from around the country will be present. Other attendees will include angel investors, venture capitalists and economic development experts.
“PowerMoves.NOLA is a powerful demonstration that New Orleans is open for business. As the nation’s leader in entrepreneurship, New Orleans is ready to support and empower talented minority entrepreneurs looking to launch and expand their businesses. By spurring innovation, building wealth and creating jobs in our city, this new initiative will become a national model and a catalyst to accelerating economic opportunity and growth for minority businesses,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
Event details are below:
Thursday, July 2nd
Entergy Angel Pitch
This will be held at 9AM – 10:30AM at Club XLIV (Encore) in Champions Square (LaSalle St). The Entergy Angel Pitch will feature 5 early-stage entrepreneurs. The winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize.
Morgan Stanley Series A Pitch
This will be held at 11AM – 12:30PM at Club XLIV (Encore) in Champions Square (LaSalle St). The Series A Pitch will feature 5 late-stage entrepreneurs. The winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize.
Friday, July 3rd
Morgan Stanley FinTech Showcase
This will be held at 8:30AM – 10AM at Greater New Orleans, Inc in the Energy Centre at 1100 Poydras St,. Suite 3475. The FinTech Showcase will feature 5 entrepreneurs in the financial technology field presenting to a select group of investors. This event is invitation only.
PowerUp Demo Day presented by IBERIABANK
These presentations will be held at 10AM – 11:30AM at the Pan American Life Building, 601 Poydras St. – 20th Floor – IBERIABANK Atrium. Watch 20 talented early-stage tech entrepreneurs of color pitch their ideas to thought leaders and sector experts, and compete for a $15,000 cash prize!
The Big Break Power Pitch
This event will be held at 1:30PM – 2:15PM on the Center Stage at the Ernst M. Morial Convention Center. The Big Break will feature 4 entrepreneurs of color with consumer-focused products moderated by Carla Harris, Vice Chairman, Morgan Stanley. The winner will receive a $25,000 cash prize.