IDEAxcelerator
IDEAxcelerator, accelerated by IBERIABANK, supports high-impact entrepreneurs through an intensive six-month business accelerator program managed by a team of Entrepreneurs-in-Residence [EIRs]. Applications for the 2013 Entrepreneur Season will open in July 2012.
All participating entrepreneurs gain access to a variety of resources, including:
■Mentorship & Support: Entrepreneurs-in-Residence [EIRs] are seasoned entrepreneurs and experienced executives who act as the advisors for IVEC ventures, providing mentorship, guidance, strategy and connections.
■Access to Networks: The Idea Village provides access to a network of local and national investors, mentors and professional service providers through over 75 events during the season, including the 2012 Entrepreneur Season Kickoff, NOEW Preview, and New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.
■Access to Capital: The Idea Village provides entrepreneurs access to local lending institutions, angel investor networks and venture capital investors through one on one meetings and competitive challenges. Select entrepreneurs will be selected to present at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, March 10-16, 2012.
■Exposure: The Idea Village has secured media coverage for entrepreneurs in Inc.com, Entrepreneur Magazine, Financial Times, The Daily Beast, Times Picayune, CNBC, NPR and Bloomberg TV and others.
■Education: Targeted training in the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through IDEAinstitute.
2012 IDEAxcelerator focuses included:
IDEA VILLAGE ENTREPRENEUR CHALLENGE (IVEC)
The annual Idea Village Entrepreneur Challenge (IVEC) is The Idea Village’s central business development program. Each year, a select group of New Orleans entrepreneurs is invited to partner with The Idea Village to identify and address key growth challenges during this six-month acceleration program.
EDUCATION CHALLENGE
The Education Challenge is a collaborative initiative of The Idea Village, 4.0 Schools and Teach For America focused on nurturing entrepreneurs with high-growth ventures in the education industry. A priority focus will be innovative solutions that have the potential to close the achievement gap.
TULANE CHALLENGE
The Tulane Challenge, in partnership with Tulane University, is focused on supporting startups led by those staff and students who are developing technologies in conjunction with Tulane’s Technology Transfer Department.
WATER CHALLENGE
The Water Challenge is a collaborative initiative of The Idea Village and the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) focused on nurturing entrepreneurs with high-growth ventures in the water industry. Going into its second year, a priority in 2012 will be innovative solutions to flood management. Download the full press release.
