Each year, the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission invites entrepreneurs to apply for the annual JEDCO Challenge, a pitch competition highlighting ideas with the potential to grow and positively impact Jefferson Parish.
The entrepreneurs will compete for $20,000 in direct capital and additional in-kind business services to help them grow.
To be eligible, each applicant must have ties to Jefferson Parish, generate less than $500,000 in revenue, have less than five employees, be a for-profit company, and not have been selected as a top five finalist in any past JEDCO Challenge.
Meet the startups below:
Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App – Leigh Isaacson
Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App is the best way for dog lovers and dog owners to find a compatible date. Dig is an iOS app available for free on the App Store, and it will help you find someone you really Dig. Search for dog lovers with a dog or without a dog, plan a date with a list of dog-friendly locations near you, enjoy a daily deal from a pet company, and learn tips and tricks of the day from vets, trainers and pet industry experts. Dig is a Jefferson Parish-based company with a nationwide paw print. All dogs featured on the @DigDates Instagram are available for adoption from Jefferson SPCA and New Orleans Bulldog Rescue.
Instapath – David Tulman
Every year, 5 million biopsy procedures are performed to diagnose cancer in the United States. However, 1 million patients need repeat procedures due to inadequate biopsy quality. Painful repeat procedures also delay life-saving treatments. Current biopsy quality assurance methods capture less than 1% of a total biopsy. Instapath makes a digital microscopic imaging system that provides an exact picture of whole biopsies at high resolution within seconds to ensure the quality of biopsies. By improving the accuracy and workflow of rapid on-site evaluation of biopsies, Instapath reduces the need for repeat procedures and increases operating room capacity and hospital revenue.
Pang Wangle – Jennifer John
Pang Wangle creates soft, light sun-protective clothing with built-in bug repellent, bridging the gap between function and fashion. The company’s Made in the USA, sustainable clothes put high-performance fabrics into everyday casual styles that will take consumers from the bayou to brunch. Pang Wangle launched its online store in December 2017 with the Journey Scarf – a lightweight infinity scarf made from recycled fabric with a hidden zipper pocket and Insectshield®bugrepellent. The colors come from a variety of recycled items, so no dyes are used.
Pilothouse Software – James Lancaster
Pilothouse Software is a software solutions company dedicated to reducing the regulatory burden on the marine service industry. Using cutting-edge technology, Pilothouse Software transforms complex manual Policies and Procedures required within the marine services industry into a simple, event-driven “to do” list. The company’s mission is to improve the safety of people, property, and our environment through guided process, data automation, and business insights.
Stop & Block – Sean McCloskey
Stop & Block has created an automated sunscreen dispenser where people can get single serve sunscreen on the go. The dispensers are placed at highly-trafficked locations where people will be outdoors for long periods of time, such as golf courses, parks, beaches, amusement parks, stadiums, pools, and festivals. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and a person dies of melanoma every 54 minutes. Stop & Block prevents unprotected exposure to the sun, reducing skin cancer, long-term skin damage, and short term discomfort.
The final pitch will take place on May 15 at Lakeway One in Metairie, Louisiana. RSVP here.