New Orleans Ventures to Compete for Cash at PitchNOLA: Education

Last fall, Propeller: A Force for Social Innovation and early-stage education startup incubator 4.0 Schools teamed up to launch the first PitchNOLA: Education. Now they are back for round two taking place November 3, 2016.

The competition awards cash prizes to entrepreneurial solutions that measurably improve educational outcomes for underserved New Orleanians. 

Organizers are looking for new ideas to take on issues in providing quality early childcare, preventing chronic absenteeism, improving access to transportation, strengthening workforce development for Opportunity Youth, and creating solutions for students with exceptional learning needs.

“Our city and our youth need your creative solutions to address educational challenges in New Orleans, from early childcare to post-secondary education and additional alternatives to four-year degrees,” explains Propeller.

Propeller and 4.0 Schools will be selecting semi-finalists based on three criteria: potential for social impact, financial sustainability, and viability.

Semi-finalists will pitch in front of a panel of judges and an audience for the chance to win a cumulative $10,000 in addition to a minimum $500 Audience Favorite Award determined by a live text-in vote.

Propeller is hosting optional Q&A sessions on August 24, August 30, and September 8. The early feedback deadline is on September 12, and the final application deadline is Tuesday, September 27.

The first PitchNOLA: Education ended in a three-way tie, the first time it had ever happened in any previous PitchNOLA events. Judges split the $9,000 grand prize evenly three ways between College Bridge New Orleans, RAE Grooming Barbershop, and NOLA Go!