St. Tammany Corporation

Attention manufacturing businesses! Mark your calendars for January 4th, 2024, as Northshore Geaux Engage kicks off their first event at Northshore Technical Community College!

Geaux Engage was formed to connect industry businesses with each other through referral partner networking. By meeting face-to-face, business relationships are much better suited to grow in value and address similar topics like talent recruitment and supply chain management. By growing referral partners, Northshore Geaux Engage helps you grow your business. Just as a garden needs tending and care, it is essential to nurture our economic garden through these connections with our key partners with the goal of making our existing companies flourish.

This networking event serves as a platform for our industrial partners to get together, converse on the latest trends in the industry, establish new relationships, and look ahead to the future of our parish and region. Feel free to share this information throughout your network!

To RSVP for this inaugural event, click here: https://ow.ly/2MYg50QgX0L

The December 2023-January 2024 edition of EDGE of the Lake Magazine is out now! Since 2020, St. Tammany Corporation has partnered with EDGE of the Lake to bring you St. Tammany NOW, a bi-monthly economic development update in one of the Northshore's most widely circulated publications.

In this issue, we highlight the first-ever pitch competition to take place on this side of the lake: the NSpire Startup Slam. STartUP Northshore, St. Tammany Corporation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem-building program, hosted the spectacular live showdown, which took place at the historic Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond, with four exceptional startup founders vying for a game-changing prize package of cash and services valued at more than $60,000.

BONUS: Also in this issue, STartUP Northshore's Program Manager Vincenzo Caronna was recognized in the fourth annual Forty Under 40 awards. Congratulations and well deserved, Cenzo!

Be sure to pick up a free copy of EDGE of the Lake Magazine or visit the link below to read. Thank you to EDGE of the Lake and Northshore Media Group for your continued partnership!

Read the full article here: https://issuu.com/edgeofthelake/docs/edge_dec23-jan24_web/74

We at St. Tammany Corporation would like to congratulate our Entrepreneur in Residence and STartUP Northshore Program Manager Vincenzo Caronna for his incredible accomplishment of being named in the Northshore's Forty Under 40 List.

Cenzo's work in entrepreneurship has revolutionized the market for startup businesses on the Northshore and throughout the region. As an entrepreneur himself, Cenzo has firsthand knowledge of what it takes to scale a business from the ground up. With this knowledge and The Idea Village's assistance, Cenzo has directly supported many entrepreneurs on the Northshore and surrounding parishes.

Most notably, Cenzo successfully coordinated and launched the Inaugural NSpire StartUp Slam, which allowed him to connect with over 20 startup businesses in the region and host a platform for them to showcase their pitching skills for the ultimate grand prize of more than $60,000 in cash and in-kind services. Congratulations again, Cenzo, and we look forward to your future successes!

To read EDGE of the Lake Magazine's Forty Under 40 article featuring Cenzo, visit: https://issuu.com/edgeofthelake/docs/edge_dec23-jan24_web/44

The Folsom Community Breakfast is a monthly meeting where St. Tammany Parish residents can meet with local businesses and elected leaders. This past Friday, our Director of Existing Business and Industry, Todd Whalley, had the pleasure of speaking at this month's Folsom Community Breakfast at Giddy Up Folsom, LLC. Todd and Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, LPSC, joined some of our local businesses and citizens for an exciting morning of collaboration and shared visions to make St. Tammany Parish THRIVE.

Thank you, Giddy Up Folsom, LLC, for hosting! Looking forward to next month's Community Breakfast! For more events from Giddy Up Folsom, visit: https://ow.ly/UF3m50QfiTz

This morning was filled with excitement and discovery as some of our team members got to see firsthand the cutting-edge technology on display at Cleco's Electric Vehicle (EV) Ride & Drive Expo at the Castine Center In Pelican Park in Mandeville. This event was a unique opportunity to learn about EVs, preview the latest in EV technology, and network with government officials and local business and community leaders. Cleco partnered with experts from Louisiana Clean Fuels, Drive Electric Louisiana and local car dealerships who brought different types of EVs to the expo. Our team members got to experience the sleek designs of around 40 vehicles from over ten different car brands and viewed demonstrations from some of the latest electric technologies.

But it's not just about the thrill of the ride; the economic benefits are a game-changer. The shift towards electric vehicles means more jobs in the clean technology industry and a significant reduction in emissions. One locally based company, EVer Charge, is already building some charging stations across Louisiana for both residents and commercial customers.

Cleco is one of St. Tammany Corporation’s key partners in economic development, and we were excited to be a part of their EV roadshow on the Northshore. Thank you also to St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser for their kind words and support for this event.

This morning, St. Tammany Corporation is excited to join Stirling Properties and Kent Design Build, Inc. to announce the commencement of construction for River Chase Office II, a cutting-edge Class A office building spanning over 50,000 square feet, which will serve as the new corporate headquarters for both Stirling and Kent Design Build. This strategic move to the River Chase development reflects the companies’ commitment to growth, innovation, and investment in St. Tammany Parish.

Stirling and Kent Design Build’s new corporate headquarters, near the intersection of Interstate 12 and LA Highway 21, was designed by Southeastern Louisiana-based architecture firm Eskew Dumez Ripple (EDR). The state-of-the-art design represents an investment of more than $20 million and will include a rooftop terrace, a reservable boardroom for the tenants of the building, and a geothermal HVAC system. The array of advantages provided by this modern workplace facility will bolster the companies’ commitment to serving clients and employees.

“St. Tammany Parish has long been the destination of choice for corporate headquarters and the highly skilled talent that powers their operations,” said Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corporation. “These two premier St. Tammany-based companies represent a cross-section of two industry sectors, real estate and construction, that are critical to our local and regional economy, and their reinvestment into our community exemplify our message that businesses can start up, scale, and stay right here on the Northshore and become incredibly successful.”

Renderings of the new facility are below. View the full press release at this link: https://bit.ly/3Gm2GCN

Tomorrow, join us in celebrating our local businesses in observance of Small Business Saturday! Did you know that, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, two out of every three jobs added to our national economy are created by small businesses?

Our small businesses are incredible assets to St. Tammany Parish, and we thank them for boosting our local economy. Be sure to visit your favorite local business during your holiday shopping!

Today, we are grateful for a resilient business community, a strong, talented, and dedicated workforce, and all of those who call St. Tammany home!

From all of us at St. Tammany Corporation, Happy Thanksgiving!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, our office will close at noon on Wednesday, November 22, and will reopen Monday, November 27, to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. Wishing you a holiday filled with warmth, tasty food, and cherished moments. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

On National Entrepreneurship Day, we celebrate the innovators, risk-takers, and job creators who drive the Northshore's economic growth. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem-building initiative STartUP Northshore is at the forefront helping our local entrepreneurs THRIVE! In the spirit of Thanksgiving and entrepreneurship during this season, we are thankful for our partners for all their hard work this month in catalyzing regional entrepreneurship.

Here's to the dreamers turning ideas into reality and the startup businesses shaping our future!

To see STartUP Northshore's impact on the Northshore or for more information, visit: https://startupnorthshore.com/

Earlier this year, we were excited to share that local business WyCo Services, based in Covington, was named one of the fastest-growing companies in the entire nation by Inc. Magazine! WyCo is a material handling company specializing in conveyors for industries like manufacturing, warehousing & distribution, and transportation & logistics, and they ranked #231 of 5,000 U.S.-based companies on the list with an incredible growth rate of 2,416% over just three years.

Following this recognition, Founder & CEO Corey Bartolo sat down with Tommy Santora of New Orleans CityBusiness to discuss the company's roots, mission, notable projects, and future.

In addition to debuting on the Inc. 5000 list, in 2023, WyCo Services was awarded “Top Food Automation and Manufacturing Solutions Provider” by Food & Beverage Technology Review, and in 2021, they were named one of the "Top Ten Material Handling Companies” by Food Automation and Manufacturing.

WyCo Services is a great example of a company that has started up locally, grown tremendously, and become a business success story right here on the Northshore. Congratulations again on this momentum and continued success!

Covington-based WyCo Services debuts on Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing private companies list | New Orleans CityBusiness Just five years ago, in the first year of operations for WyCo Services, President Corey Bartolo remembers the hurdles his company had to overcome.

The STPGovCouncil November Newsletter is out now.

In this issue:
• Public Health Millage Up for Renewal Saturday, November 18
• Fortified Roof Grants Accepting Applications Next Week
• COAST Unveils New Lacombe Senior Center Plans

STP Gov. Council November Newsletter Council in Talks to Create Home Rule Charter Commission -------The Home Rule Charter, the document that defines the roles of the St. Tammany Parish Government, was instituted in 2000. It came with the

The future of our workforce is looking bright! The Workforce and Talent Forum was a massive success for our key partners from the Northshore and beyond. Dr. Dell Gines conducted a deep-dive into the International Economic Development Council's most recent research series focused on workforce recruitment, retention, and development, and Patience Fairbrother shared insights and analysis from Development Counsellors International's most recent report, titled “Talent Wars 2023: What People Look for in Jobs and Locations."

This dynamic discussion allowed our local leaders to explore the best practices for regional collaboration around workforce and talent initiatives. We look forward to taking action on this vital information and applying it to our Northshore community!

Special thanks to Northshore Technical Community College for hosting and our partners for participating in this incredible event!

Cleco Louisiana Economic Development Southeastern Louisiana University St. Tammany Parish Public School System St. Tammany Health System St. Helena Economic Development Foundation Livingston Economic Development Council Tangipahoa Economic Development Foundation | Washington Parish Economic Development Foundation

To get free access to these insightful publications mentioned at the forum, click here: https://ow.ly/VS6w50Q8xQs

Just a short while ago, we kicked off the Workforce & Talent Forum at Northshore Technical Community College presented by the Northshore Regional Resiliency Collaborative (NRRC), a collaboration supported by grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration in partnership with our economic development colleagues in the five-parish Northshore region (Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, and Washington Parishes) in addition to NTCC.

The morning started with an introduction from St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill, a thank you and recognition of our partners from our Senior Director Ashley Llewellyn, and a welcome to NTCC's Lacombe campus from Dr. Jim Carlson, Chancellor of NTCC. We have a great group of regional partners representing economic development, workforce, and education & training from all over the Greater New Orleans Region! We would also like to thank Cleco Power for their generous support as today's food and beverage sponsor.

The morning now continues with dynamic and insightful presentations from our featured speakers Dr. Dell Gines, VP of Partnerships, Advisory Services, and Thought Leadership at International Economic Development Council and Patience Fairbrother, VP of Talent Attraction at Development Counsellors International.

Attention Small Businesses!

The deadline to apply for the U.S. Small Business Administration Working Capital Loans is approaching. These loans are for small businesses stricken with economic injury by the severe thunderstorms and tornado from February of this year. These low-interest federal disaster loans are available for small businesses in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and other surrounding parishes, and interest will not start accruing until 12 months from the first date of loan disbursement.

For more information or to apply, visit https://ow.ly/Ks2O50Q75Bl

Disaster assistance | U.S. Small Business Administration Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Verizon has announced the launch of their Small Business Digital Ready program! In today's virtual age, getting your business “Digital Ready” can be the ticket that scales you to the next level. After taking these free courses, participants can compete for a $10,000 grant. These free course topics range from funding to financial management to even social media marketing. As economic developers, St. Tammany Corporation welcomes any opportunity that enhances our local businesses, and this serves as an amazing opportunity!

Click here for more information on the program and to apply: https://ow.ly/R5P950Q74Qv

On Veterans Day 2023, St. Tammany Corporation was proud to sponsor the third annual Vet Together hosted by NextOp Veterans at Chafunkta Brewing Company in Mandeville. This was an afternoon of live music from Adam Pearce Music, free professional headshots from Joel Treadwell, Fine Portraiture, and delicious local food and beer in honor of those who served and in support of the pathways to their next opportunities.

NextOp Veterans is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting veterans with career opportunities as they transition to the civilian workforce. Learn more about how your business can recruit, train, and hire veterans at nextopvets.org or HireVets.gov.

Yesterday, St. Tammany Corporation joined Brighthouse Learning Academy, LLC for a groundbreaking event to celebrate their expansion to a new $1 million Abita Springs campus. Michele & Hal Tinker founded Brighthouse Learning Academy in 2017, and for the last six years have focused on twice-exceptional students. The term “twice exceptional” or “2e” refers to gifted children who have one or more learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder.

St. Tammany Corporation proudly supports Brighthouse and their efforts to prepare our exceptional youth for the world.

To learn more about Brighthouse Learning Academy, visit www.brighthouselearning.com.

November truly is the month to celebrate entrepreneurship in Louisiana! Last night, our CEO Christopher Masingill served as a judge for the United Way of Southeast Louisiana's Thriving African American Small Business Initiative Pitch Competition. Chris also serves on UWSELA’s Board of Trustees, and as a founding sponsor of the TAASBI program, St. Tammany Corporation proudly supports the United Way SELA and their efforts to bring health, education, and financial stability to the members of our local communities.

Leading up to this event, participants engaged in seven months of instruction to fine-tune their business skills, gain a deep knowledge of their business, and prepare essential deliverables for potential investors. Our Entrepreneur in Residence and STartUP Northshore Program Manager, Vincenzo Caronna, served as a pitch coach for the participants to help them in these areas. Like the wonderful participants, start-up businesses and entrepreneurs are critical economic drivers for our local communities as they improve the overall standard of living, lift people out of impoverished areas, and promote new products and services for locals to use.

Thank you, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, for supporting and empowering entrepreneurs in our region!

And that's a wrap on this year's Inaugural NSpire StartUp Slam!

Alana scott, Founder & CEO of kinkzhair—a natural hair care line based in Slidell, Louisiana—walked away Friday night with the grand prize of $60,000 in cash and in-kind services. This inaugural event serves as just one of STartUP Northshore's programs dedicated to enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem on the Northshore.

Special thanks to St. Tammany Corporation's Entrepreneur in Residence and STartUP Northshore Program Manager Vincenzo Caronna for organizing this event, as well as our wonderful economic development partners at Tangipahoa Economic Development and Washington Parish Economic Development. We would also like to thank Dr. William Wainwright, Dr. Tará Lopez, our event sponsors, and our judges for their immense support in fueling entrepreneurship across our parishes. We especially appreciate the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond for hosting and serving as a space for our Northshore residents to come together to support our local startups.

We look forward to delivering more programming, networking, and mentorship opportunities on the Northshore in the near future. We are just getting started!

For more information, read our full press release here: https://startupnorthshore.com/engage/press-releases/

🏆 ANNOUNCING: kinkzhair, a natural hair care line based in Slidell, Louisiana, is the winner of a $60,000 prize package of cash and services following a live showdown between the company and three other finalists in the first-ever NSpire Startup Slam pitch competition.

“Gratitude fills our hearts as we embark on this exciting journey, leveling up our business with the invaluable resources from NSpire Startup Slam,” said Alana Scott, Founder & CEO of Kinkz. “The experience of being surrounded by incredible, competitive founders has been nothing short of inspiring, propelling us toward our limitless potential.”

Set against the backdrop of the historic Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond, on the evening of November 3rd, over 70 attendees celebrated entrepreneurship and innovation over food, drinks, and live music before witnessing the four finalist startups take center stage. This new pitch competition represents STartUP Northshore’s latest investment in building programs that support local entrepreneurs and cultivate the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by delivering world-class programming, networking opportunities, access to capital, and mentorship from esteemed industry leaders, investors, and founders at little to no cost to the startups.

Congratulations to all of the finalists for your hard work, dedication, and innovative spirit. You each brought incredible ideas and energy to the event and STartUP Northshore looks forward to continuing to support your entrepreneurial journeys and the bright future you have ahead.

Full press release:https://startupnorthshore.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/23-1106-NSpire-Startup-Slam-2023-Winner-Press-Release.pdf

Talent recruitment and retention are an important part of our work in economic development, and having a strong Young Professionals program in our community is critical to helping these emerging movers and shakers in St. Tammany build their leadership skills and professional network.

Thank you to the Northshore Young Professionals, a program of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, for creating a platform for young professionals to get engaged, focus on the issues that are relevant to them, and give back to the community!

Healthcare is a significant driver of economic activity and quality of life. At the Healthier Northshore Health Fair, many of our local healthcare providers are teaming up to provide community resources, health education, and screenings to the public. These resources include mammograms, carotid artery ultrasounds, lung cancer risk assessments, mental health education, and much more!

Save the Date!
📅Saturday, November 18 | 8am - 11am
📍Covington Farmers Market | 609 N. Columbia Street, Covington LA

Let's make a Healthier Northshore, together. Learn more at: https://healthiernorthshore.health/

Healthier NorthShore – Promoting Healthier Living Throughout St. Tammany & Washington Parishes The Healthier Northshore initiative is dedicated to bringing people, organizations and resources together to amplify healthier living throughout St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.

On Friday, October 20, St. Tammany Corporation Entrepreneur in Residence & STartUP Northshore Program Manager Vincenzo Caronna joined Charles at The Lake 94.7 to talk about our biggest announcement yet: the NSpire Startup Slam, which is the first-ever startup pitch competition on the Northshore where top startups will be competing for a prize package of cash and services valued at more than $60,000!

Four finalists were officially announced and will take center stage THIS Friday, November 3rd at the historic Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond to pitch their business to a live audience and a Shark-Tank-style panel of judges.

Join us for this can't miss event!
📅 Friday, November 3, 2023 | Networking Reception at 4:30 p.m. followed by Showcase at 6:00 p.m.
📍 Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Downtown Hammond, LA
🎟 FREE admission, food and drinks provided — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nspire-startup-slam-tickets-735973595837

Learn more about the event and the 4 stand-out finalists: www.startupnorthshore.com/nspire

If you missed Friday's interview, want hear it again, or would like to share with a friend, we've got you covered! Catch the full rewind here: https://lake947.net/lake-rewind-st-tammany-coroner-colin-sims-tri-parish-works-and-lake-loot/

On Friday mornings, St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill joins The Lake 94.7 to share economic development updates and talk about what's going on in our local, regional, and national economy.

This morning, Chris joined Charles to talk about the latest economic update, a report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis this week that showed that the national GDP increased by nearly 5% in the third quarter of 2023, showing incredible economic and job growth nationwide. St. Tammany's economy has also now grown to nearly $14 billion, contributing to 5% of the entire state's GDP.

He also highlighted the manufacturing industry in St. Tammany Parish in honor of October being Manufacturing Month. Manufacturing is a $600 million industry in our parish, supporting more than 3,500 jobs.

Lastly, Chris talked about Startup Northshore's NSpire Startup Slam, the Northshore's inaugural pitch competition with four finalists competing for a prize package of more than $60,000. This first-of-its-kind event will take place next Friday, November 3, at the historic Columbia Theatre in Downtown Hammond. This event is free and open to the public.

If you missed today's interview, we've got you covered! Listen here: https://lake947.net/lake-rewind-boo-fest-men-who-cook-city-of-mandeville-st-tammany-corporation-and-lake-loot/

The NSpire Startup Slam is one week from today! Read more about the event and register here: https://startupnorthshore.com/nspire/

Exciting news: Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner joined other officials to sign a service development agreement that will advance the return of intercity passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the governor’s office announced today.

Connecting our state's two largest population centers, the Greater New Orleans Region and the Baton Rouge Metro Area, via passenger rail will have significant positive economic impacts on Southeastern Louisiana.

Louisiana, Amtrak sign agreement for passenger rail between Baton Rouge, New Orleans Gov. John Bel Edwards and Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gardner joined other officials to sign a service development agreement that will advance the return of intercity passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Last week, St. Tammany Corporation Director of Economic Development Kate Moore spent time with Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), the World Trade Center of New Orleans, and Louisiana Economic Development's Office of International Commerce to meet with some of LED's international consultants.

Kate had the opportunity to promote the economic activity occurring in St. Tammany Parish, including the development of nearly 1,000 acres at the Gulf South Commerce Park and our targeted focus on recruiting businesses in sectors like advanced manufacturing, logistics, and clean tech.

Kate’s guidance and perspective on economic development on the Northshore helped inform the consultants’ lead generation efforts to bring the right kind of investment to Southeastern Louisiana and the Greater New Orleans Region.

Hey, Northshore Entrepreneurs! Are you ready to take your business to new heights? Have an idea but don't know how to get started?

Powered by CO.STARTERS — a global support network equipping communities with proven programs to help local entrepreneurs grow and thrive — local economic development partners are excited to bring Bootcamp, an entrepreneur workshop, to businesses on the Northshore. In this six-hour workshop, existing small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea will leave these bootcamps with tangible next steps on how to enhance, grow, and launch a business through a collaborative and engaging day of programming.

Our next Bootcamp (and last in this series!) will be held tomorrow from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Northshore Homebuilders Association (28603 Krentel Rd., Lacombe, LA 70445).

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 24
🕘 Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
📍 Location: Northshore Homebuilders Association, 28603 Krentel Rd., Lacombe, LA 70445

There's still time to take part in this phenomenal program. To register, visit: https://lnkd.in/gS23qkzc

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Education and other partners, is inviting you to share your valuable insights. This annual survey helps us understand the needs of families raising children under 5 in Louisiana. Your responses will shape policy decisions, support childcare, and drive economic progress in our community.

Don't miss your chance to be heard! The survey is open now until November 1st and can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D3LXWY8

Let's build a brighter future for Louisiana families.

2023 Louisiana Child Care Parent Poll Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Over the past two days in Livingston Parish, Louisiana and Washington Parish, Louisiana, our small business bootcamps, powered by CO.STARTERS have allowed us to engage with some phenomenal small businesses representing their communities and getting the tools they need to thrive.

Thank you to the Southeastern Technology Center in Walker and the United Way of Southeast Louisiana Prosperity Center in Bogalusa for hosting these bootcamps and our lovely cohort of small businesses—your enthusiasm and participation are instrumental in driving economic development in our region.

There’s still time to register for our other Bootcamp dates:
Monday, October 23 | Tangipahoa Parish
Tuesday, October 24 | St. Tammany Parish

To find a Bootcamp and location near you and register, visit: www.costarters.co/co-starters-northshore-la

You won’t want to miss this! Startup Northshore’s NSpire Startup Slam is bringing entrepreneurship to new heights on to the Northshore! This live pitch competition represents STartUP Northshore’s latest investment in fostering local entrepreneurship by delivering world-class programming, networking opportunities, access to capital, and mentorship from esteemed industry leaders, investors, and founders at little to no cost to the startups.

“The combined prize package of financial resources, services, and one-on-one expert coaching aligns with the mission of STartUP Northshore in that it extends beyond just a financial commitment; it’s an investment into the winning business’s journey ahead as they start up, scale, and grow right here on the Northshore,” said Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corporation. “This competition elevates some of the most compelling business cases in our region, and we are excited for them to share with us their grit, passion, and enterprising spirit. The power of an idea will take center stage at the NSpire Pitch Competition.”

Join us Friday, November 3, at the historic Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond for a networking reception beginning at 4:30 p.m. followed by the event showcase at 6:00 p.m.

Register for free at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nspire-startup-slam-tickets-735973595837

The future of innovation is coming to the Northshore! STartUP Northshore presents the NSpire Startup Slam – a thrilling pitch competition with local entrepreneurs competing for a prize package worth more $60,000 in cash and in-kind services! This is more than just a competition; it's an investment in our local entrepreneurs’ respective journeys to start, scale, and grow right here on the Northshore.

Join us on Friday, November 3, at the historic Columbia Theatre in Downtown Hammond for a networking reception beginning at 4:30 p.m. followed by the event showcase at 6:00 p.m. Witness the power of innovation as these four incredible finalists take the stage to pitch their businesses live:

kinkzhair, a Slidell natural hair care line, simplifies hair care for women on their curly hair journey with easy-to-use styling tools, including innovative Kinkz Hair Ties, for quick and damage-free styling in just 5 seconds.

Slidell-based Unique XP (https://www.uniquexp.io/) redefines fan engagement through personalized, real-time micro-experiences and itineraries, transforming passions into extraordinary adventures.

11th.HAUS, a modern alchemy and wellness brand out of Covington, is all about connection, creating high-quality pheromone products to enhance relationships, self-discovery, and connection with the world, inspired by astrology's 11th house themes.

Australian-founded EdTech startup uLand (https://ulandglobal.com/) offers engaging disaster preparation and sustainability education through storytelling and visualization, making learning impactful and user-friendly.

Come be part of the action, network with industry leaders, and support our local startups. Register for free at: https://lnkd.in/g4cCsxwu

Don't miss out on this extravagant showcase of the Northshore's entrepreneurial spirit!

Press Release: https://lnkd.in/g8rvq79H