Local Entrepreneurs Now Have Until April 5 to Submit Applications
(Baton Rouge, La., March 31, 2023) — Nexus Louisiana has extended the deadline for applications to participate in its High Stakes Pitch competition by another week, from March 31 to April 5, 2023.
Competition applicants must meet a set of baseline qualifications in order to be considered. Qualified applicants:
- Are based in Louisiana or are willing to relocate the business to Louisiana.
- Are scalable, early-stage companies.
- Made less than $500,000 in revenue in the past 12 months.
- Are incorporated as a limited liability company, an S corporation or a C corporation.
Previous participants of the High Stakes Pitch competition and PitchBR who did not win are eligible to apply.
The High Stakes Pitch competition will take place at the culmination of the 12th annual Baton Rouge Entrepreneur Week (BREW), NexusLA’s flagship event, which coincides with National Small Business Week. Three finalists will pitch their businesses to a panel of expert judges and an audience of peers and accredited investors for the chance to win a $100,000 investment prize. The prize money is provided by a pool of experienced, accredited investors and is managed jointly by Innovation Catalyst and Red Stick Angels.
“At Nexus Louisiana, we recognize the importance of providing entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to launch and grow their businesses,” said Stephen Loy, executive director NexusLA. “By extending the deadline for our High Stakes Pitch competition, we’re giving entrepreneurs another opportunity to apply, and we’re excited to see the innovative ideas they bring to the table.”
Semi-finalists will be notified by Apri 7. Semi-finalists will then submit their business plan, media materials and a one-page summary for review and comment by semi-final round judges. Semi-final pitches will happen behind closed doors on April 18 at the Nexus Louisiana Technology Park and will consist of a 10-minute pitch followed by a 15-minute Q&A. All semi-finalists will receive feedback on the quality of their pitch and advice for improving in the future.
The finalists will receive coaching and mentoring leading up to competition day. The final pitch competition will take place on Friday, May 5, at 4 p.m. in downtown Baton Rouge at Shaw Center Rooftop. The most investable company will be selected as the winner, according to the expert opinion of the judges.
“We’re looking for businesses that are innovative and have the potential to be successful,” said Bill Ellison, CEO at Innovation Catalyst. “In addition to giving entrepreneurs the chance to win a big investment prize, we want to help them get the resources and advice they need to take their businesses to the next level.”
Don’t miss this chance to propel your businesses to success.
Visit www.celebratebrew.com to complete the application, upload your executive summary template and review the updated competition timeline.
About NexusLA
Nexus Louisiana’s mission is to accelerate the growth of high-potential companies by providing them with coaching, capital and connections. Our programs leverage regional collaboration to foster mentorship, investment and opportunity for local entrepreneurs to grow their ideas and transform the technology industry in Louisiana. For more information, please visit https://nexusla.org.