In April 2009, The Idea Village and 504ward executed a $224,000 valued business competition.  The Business Competition was for entrepreneurs with business ideas that retain and engage the 23 – 35 year old demographic in New Orleans. Note: The Idea Village - 504ward Business Competition is officially complete.  Click here to see the results.

About The Business Competition:
Through generous funding from Leslie Jacobs, The Idea Village and 504ward seeded the national competition with $100,000 and encouraging the local and national community to contribute additional resources. Already, 643 Magazine, LLC, Adams and Reese, Jones Walker, Trumpet, Fabre Smith & Coco, New Orleans Magazine, Gambit Weekly, Nola.com, Human Resources Management Association of Greater New Orleans, Lifestyle Revolution Group, Morgan + Company and Louisiana Technology Park have contributed office space, legal, marketing, website optimization, web development, advertising, staffing, networking facilities, event and media productions, communications planning and data center storage services respectively. The final value of the prize package has well exceeded $225,000 from the local community and the national network of entrepreneurs.

If you are interested in in providing further financing, discounted or pro-bono services and resources, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Idea Village, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate the growth of the entrepreneurial community in the New Orleans region by advocating for a culture of innovation and providing strategy, talent and resources to high impact ventures, is executing the business competition for the 504ward collaboration. All cash donations are tax deductible and your in-kind contributions may be tax deductible, in accordance with IRS rulings on non-cash contributions.

Two winners were selected out of 5 finalists who were flown to New Orleans in April 2009. Three different committees evaluated the applicants during various stages of the competition and the final decision was made, in part, by an audience of 23-35 year olds in New Orleans.

Resources for winning entrepreneur:

1. $100,000 cash prize
   
2. Strategic business consulting and customized execution plan with The Idea Village
3. Professional services and resources (office space, web development, legal, marketing, website optimization, PR, advertising, etc.)

APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO APPLIED.

THE WINNERS HAVE BEEN SELECTED! CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS.

Please click here to download the November 2007 research and focus group findings from FSG Social Impact Advisors regarding the retention of talent in New Orleans.

Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions.