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Welcome to The Idea Village, a depot of talent and collaboration, created for innovators in New Orleans.

The Idea Village formalized in 2002 as an independent 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to identify, support and retain entrepreneurial talent in New Orleans by providing business resources to high-impact ventures.

The Idea Village is an independent organization whose attitude is best exemplified by our mantra: “Trust Your Crazy Ideas.”

Idea Village Staff Photo 

BY THE NUMBERS:
As of December 2008, The Idea Village has worked with over 245 local entrepreneurs, representing 935 jobs and over $67 million in revenue. With support from more than 300 students, professionals and partners, The Idea Village has provided over 28,000 hours of business consulting and allocated over $1.5 million in development grants.

THE IDEA VILLAGE STRATEGY:
The Idea Village team supports high impact entrepreneurial talent by identifying growth challenges, setting operational goals, providing business strategy, marketing support and financial direction. In addition, The Idea Village provides access to development grants, talent and innovative work spaces.

THE CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO THE IDEA VILLAGE:
The Idea Village Supports High Impact Entrepreneurs with:

  • Potential to employ knowledge based workers
  • A viable plan to generate sustainable revenues streams.
  • Innovative solutions that fuel long-term and sustained economic growth.
  • The ability to become role models that encourage others to innovate and take risks.

Objective Criteria:

  • For-profit venture
  • Located in the New Orleans Region as defined by 5 parish region
  • Currently generating less than $1 million in annual revenue
  • Currently employs fewer than 10 full time employees
  • Has desire to grow business to more than $10 million in annual revenue in 5-10 years
  • Demonstrates personal investment of capital and/or time in the venture


The 2009 Idea Village Initiatives include:

  • Sustainable Development: To support the growth of entrepreneurs in the green and sustainable industries. Sponsor: Blue Moon Fund
  • Urban Innovation Fund: To provide seed capital and strategy to innovative urban redevelopment entrepreneurs. Sponsor: Rockefeller Foundation
  • 504ward Competition: To support ventures that retain 23-35 year olds in New Orleans.Sponsor: Rosenthal & Jacobs Foundation
  • IV Portfolio: To support the growth and retention of high impact entrepreneurs currently in The Idea Village portfolio, as well as new high impact ventures.

 

Please contact us: innovation@ideavillage.org