Miji Park leads The Idea Village in developing a linked network of “Business Innovation Centers” to revitalize key commercial corridors in New Orleans. The Business Innovation Centers provide access to retail, technology, technical assistance, financial services, and other essential resources as a catalyst to fuel innovation and private investment throughout the community.

The Central Idea Village

THE IDEA VILLAGE INNOVATION NETWORK
The Idea Village is developing a linked network of innovative spaces in New Orleans, with The Idea Village central office as the “hub” that links to neighborhood affiliates.

The central “Idea Village,” a long-term vision conceived in the early stages of the organization’s development, is finally becoming a reality. 10,000 Square Feet will encompass an innovative living room within the context of the broader Warehouse District to foster an entrepreneurial network of business owners, professionals, and university students. Space, design and functionality will foster innovation, including a world class technology center, co-working space, and a signature “brainstorm room.”

VISION
The innovative meeting space industry is a small yet growing industry. Places that engage diverse talent accelerate the rate of economic development. When entrepreneurs, innovators and other smart, talented individuals are constantly “bumping into one another,” ideas are more quickly formed, sharpened, executed and accelerated. These innovative spaces can be the catalyst for innovation in each respective community and in the city, as a whole.

The Idea Village will connect the central Business Innovation Center to community affiliates and national partners, creating a linked network of innovators and entrepreneurs. This local and national network of entrepreneurs, business leaders, university students and service providers will facilitate the flow of traditional, social, human and other capital.

GOALS
• Develop a world-class innovation network
• Foster a community of professionals, students and artists to inspire innovation and entrepreneurial activity
• Connect, engage and retain talent in New Orleans
• Provide strategic business consulting to the entrepreneurial community
• Host forums, seminars and roundtables to support and educate the entrepreneurial community
• Develop a sustainable business model to support entrepreneurial activity in New Orleans
• Promote New Orleans as a competitive, innovative environment to inspire and attract entrepreneurial ventures and people to the city