Launch NOLA Entrepreneurs
Win Big at NOEW
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Shark Tank has nothing on Launch NOLA's Side Hustle To Main Hustle Pitch Competition
<<First Name>>,
Between the high caliber business pitches and a few celebrity cameos from past Launch NOLA entrepreneurs, the competition made for an event that won't soon be forgotten.
The 9 entrepreneurs who pitched made the audience's and judges' decisions extremely difficult, but at the end of the day a few stood out from the pack.
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And so, without further ado, the winners of Launch NOLA's 2017 Side Hustle to Main Hustle Pitch Competition are:
For People's Choice, as determined by audience voting, was a tie between Felicia Alexander of Trinity Oasis Community Center and Zjelic'e Barksdale with JB Events and Decor. Felicia will be launching a nonprofit community center in New Orleans East, serving youth and elderly, while Zjelic'e is set to launch a party and event planning business.
And as determined by our expert judges:
In Third Place, Brenda Garcia walked away with $500 in startup capital for her business, Steel Magnolia Tours, which will soon be leading the City's only Women's History Tours of the French Quarter.
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Coming in Second Place, with a $1000 investment, Tyrone Shoemaker impressed the judges and audience with his business SCOUT, which offers home security inspection and recommendation services
And -
...drumroll please...
The first place, grand prize winner was...Neema Murimi who won $1,500 in startup capital for her business, Thera Talk, a phone-based counseling service, offering "Therapy without the advice, friendship with no strings attached". A convenient new form of therapy, without the stigma and time-consuming aspects of traditional services.
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A Big Thanks to Our Judges
The Pitch Competition could not have been a success if it weren't for the contributions of time and effort from our judges; Melissa Woods of the Cupcake Fairies, Toni Dixon of Iberia Bank, and Slade Simmons of Gulf Coast Bank.
The rich questions, thorough discussion, and expert feedback that the judges provided added tremendous value for the audience and entrepreneurs both. Their relationships and ongoing support continue to be an invaluable and selfless service for all. All of us at Launch NOLA are honored and immensely grateful for their role in the event and in Launch NOLA's ongoing work.
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Even if you missed the Pitch Competition, you still have an opportunity to support Launch NOLA's Entrepreneurs this week at NOEW at Launch NOLA's Startup Catalyst Booth.
Come by to show your support and hear a pitch. You might even leave with a T-shirt, cigar, or some gluten free pralines...among other products and services the entrepreneurs will be showcasing.
Launch NOLA's booth is located in Startup Alley, behind NOEW registration. Attendance is free.
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New Orleans is bursting with entrepreneurs, but many lack the technical skills, money, and confidence needed to launch.
By investing your LIFE - Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise, you can help empower the entrepreneurs who make New Orleans the great city that it is.
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