A new 10-week program that aims to give north shore entrepreneurs and potential startup founders the tools to create a business plan will launch Sept. 4, part of a partnership with St. Tammany Corporation, the parish’s economic development agency, and The Idea Village.

The partnership is a key in St. Tammany Corporation’s efforts to grow entrepreneurship on the north shore, according to a news release.

“This partnership with The Idea Village is a key component of our Startup Northshore initiative that strives to advance our strategic business formation and business retention efforts,” said Chris Masingill.

The Startup Northshore initiative, a three-year pilot program, is supported by Chevron and Citizens National Bank.

The partnership with The Idea Village will bring technical business development support for entrepreneurs from a nationally recognized leader to north shore area businesses, Masingill said.

“The momentum of regional entrepreneurship shows that good ideas don’t know parish lines,” said Jon Atkinson, CEO of The Idea Village, which is based in New Orleans. 

Participants will benefit from The Idea Village’s experience; the organization also hopes to connect participants with other north shore startups, business coaches, mentors, and investors who are closer to home, he said.

Each week’s session will be run virtually, with an opportunity to engage in person in the final week. It will be led by Felipe Massa, professor of management and entrepreneurship at Loyola University New Orleans, and produced by The Idea Village in collaboration with local partners.

“The entrepreneurial ecosystem in southeastern Louisiana has evolved significantly in the past two decades, and we are excited to intentionally engage with well-respected regional partners to bring their expertise to the north shore,” said Marty Mayer, St. Tammany Corporation board president.

The Idea Village envisions a hub-and-spoke network that will bring startup resources to all communities within the region, according to the news release, which calls St. Tammany Corporation its the first “spoke” partner.

The program is currently accepting applications.

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