JEDCO Seeking Startups With Ties To Jefferson Parish For Sixth Annual Competition

 

AVONDALE, La. — There is just one week left to apply for the 2018 JEDCO Challenge powered by Greater Lakeside Corporation. The sixth annual pitch competition for entrepreneurs with ties to Jefferson Parish was created to elevate opportunities for early-stage companies in the area and has become a premier event for the region. We learned in a press release that the deadline to apply is next Monday, March 26, by 11:59 p.m.

JEDCO seeks entrepreneurs with unique ideas that have the high potential to grow and positively impact Jefferson Parish. Entrepreneurs are urged to apply for the challenge on JEDCO's website. They must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

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  • Must live, work or have a strong presence in Jefferson Parish
  • Must generate less than $500,000 in revenue
  • Must have fewer than 5 employees
  • Must be a for-profit company
  • Must not have been a Top Five finalist in previous JEDCO Challenge competitions

The competition will be held on Tuesday, May 15 at Lakeway One in Metairie in front of a panel of Jefferson Parish business leaders and an audience of their peers. Finalists will be judged on a seven-minute pitch and a business plan, which must be submitted in advance of the competition. The crowd will have an opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite entrepreneur, contributing to the overall scoring process of the competition. The winning pitch will receive $20,000 in direct capital and additional in-kind business services to help grow the company locally.

The JEDCO Challenge has promoted successful startup companies since its inception in 2013. Past winners include:

  • Chosen Diagnostics (2017) developed a test that can provide early detection of a deadly disease that threatens premature babies
  • Bhoomi Cane Water (2016) manufactures sugar cane water using local product
  • InnoGenomics Technologies (2015) developed a blood test that can detect and monitor certain types of cancers
  • PortaVision Medical (2014) designed an X-Ray to be used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units to enhance the health of premature babies
  • ICONIC (2013) developed a healthy meal replacement beverage for on-the-go individuals

The application is live on JEDCO's website. Applicants will be narrowed down through a rigorous review process. Semifinal interviews will be held April 5 and 6. Finalists will be announced in early April.

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