New Orleans & Louisiana Startup Ecosystem
A directory of 64 organizations that support founders in Greater New Orleans and across Louisiana: accelerators, investors, universities, economic development groups, small business support, community spaces and service providers, with each one’s role in its own words where possible.
Last updated November 11, 2026. Roles are summarized from each organization’s own website and public announcements.
Accelerators & incubators
10 organizations
The Idea Village
501(c)(3) committed to helping startup founders across the Gulf Coast scale their ventures. Founded New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.
Programs: IDEAinstitute (12-week idea-to-startup accelerator), VILLAGEx (for startups raising $1M+), Pitch Night, IDEAfuel, METRONOME, Coastal Innovation Challenge, Momentum Fund, Demo Day, 3rd Coast Venture Summit, mentor network, job board
ideavillage.orgPropeller
Nonprofit helping entrepreneurs grow small businesses and nonprofits that tackle social and environmental disparities in New Orleans.
Programs: Impact Accelerator (startup and growth tracks), Inclusive Procurement, Access to Capital, Propeller Impact Fund II, coworking, event space for 175+; focus areas: economic development, education, food, health, water
gopropeller.orgNew Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC)
Empowers Louisiana innovators to build biotech businesses through commercialization services, premier facilities and a support network.
Programs: Lab and office leasing, Core Lab, event space, free commercialization consulting, BioFellows, New Orleans BioFund, BioChallenge pitch competition
neworleansbio.comCamelback Ventures
New Orleans-based nonprofit that increases access to opportunity for entrepreneurs of color and women by investing in their ventures and leadership while advocating for fairness in their funding.
Programs: Camelback Fellowship (up to $50K investment for early-stage founders), Guardian Summit; $10M+ invested in 200+ entrepreneurs since 2015
camelbackventures.orgFounder Institute (Louisiana)
Louisiana chapter of the global pre-seed accelerator, turning ideas into fundable startups with a structured process and mentors from Louisiana's investor and founder community.
Programs: FI Core accelerator (spring and fall cohorts), Demo Day at StartupNOLA's monthly meetup, partnership with STartUP Northshore
fi.co/louisianaTECHPLUG
Innovation firm bridging tech, health and diverse populations; works with tech founders addressing health disparities in vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Programs: The Lab by TECHPLUG (2600 Ursulines Ave, Tremé), 9-month community-centric immersion program for health-tech companies, Queen Mother (QM) program
techplug.tech/about-usNexus Louisiana
Baton Rouge-based 501(c)(3) created by the Louisiana Legislature that gives high-potential, technology-enabled companies statewide the coaching, capital and connections they need to accelerate growth.
Programs: Wraparound support for early-stage technical founders: mentors, programming, workspace, tools; Venture Capital Apprentice Program (with LSU, Innovation Catalyst and Red Stick Angels); BREW
nexusla.orgOpportunity Machine
Lafayette nonprofit supporting early-stage, innovative technology startups with incubator and accelerator mentorship programs.
Programs: Builder Program 1.0 (3-month customer discovery and business model program), incubator and accelerator
opportunitymachine.orgFOODii (LSU AgCenter Food Innovation Institute)
LSU AgCenter resource center and business incubator that helps entrepreneurs start and grow food businesses.
Programs: Food business incubation, technical resources
lsuagcenter.comEntrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP)
Run by North Louisiana innovation hub BRF: mentor teams work alongside founders on business models, go-to-market plans and due-diligence readiness for angel or VC investment.
Programs: Mentor-led accelerator; New Louisiana Angel Fund series (Fund 3)
eapla.com
Investors & funds
6 organizations
New Orleans Startup Fund
Nonprofit seed fund that invests in and guides early-stage ventures poised to create economic prosperity and jobs in the Greater New Orleans region.
Programs: Seed investment, capital-readiness technical assistance, portfolio support
neworleansstartupfund.org1834 Ventures
Community-rooted, early-stage venture capital firm based in New Orleans. Its $20M fund backs startups founded by Tulane alumni, faculty and extended community; SSBCI-designated fund in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development.
Programs: Pre-seed to Series A, sector-agnostic, checks of $50K to $1M; works with the Tulane Innovation Institute and Tulane Venture Fund; Friends of the Fund
1834.vcBoot64 Ventures
Metairie-based venture fund (Magnolia Fund I) that discovers, invests in and supports Louisiana-based entrepreneurs who need startup capital, including veterans, socially and economically disadvantaged founders and rural businesses.
Programs: Pre-seed and seed investment, business assistance; participant in Louisiana's SSBCI seed capital program
boot64.comCorridor Ventures
New Orleans-headquartered venture capital firm (founded 2022) closing the capital access gap in the Southeast, with New Orleans as its anchor and Louisiana a core part of its strategy; focused on problem-solver founders pursuing scalable innovation.
Programs: $50M fund investing across the Southeast, especially Louisiana and Mississippi
corridorvc.comInnovation Catalyst
Baton Rouge nonprofit venture development organization working to strengthen and broaden Louisiana's entrepreneurial ecosystem by driving the formation of new high-growth, scalable companies.
Programs: The Catalyst Fund (evergreen early-stage fund), Red Stick Angel Network, Venture Capital Apprentice Program, BREW High-Stakes Pitch Competition ($100K prize)
innovationcatalyst.usRed Stick Angel Network
Angel network (a subsidiary of Innovation Catalyst) of accredited investors in greater Baton Rouge that identifies, vets and funds early-stage, high-growth companies throughout Louisiana.
Programs: Angel investment, coaching and connections
innovationcatalyst.us/red-stick-angels
Universities & research parks
12 organizations
Albert Lepage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Tulane)
Tulane Freeman School of Business center. Leads the Louisiana Startup Report with LA.IO, the statewide benchmark of the startup economy.
Programs: Louisiana Startup Report, Tulane Business Model Competition, Pitch Friday Series, Student Venture Incubator, Innovators-in-Residence, LEAP for small businesses, mentorship, Tulane Entrepreneurship Awards
freeman.tulane.edu/lepageTulane University Innovation Institute
Established in 2022 to help Tulane students, faculty and community innovators in Greater New Orleans develop ideas, launch startups and attract resources; converts research into marketable products.
Programs: Tulane Ventures ($10M seed fund for healthcare, technology and climate/energy startups, with a focus on women- and minority-led ventures), Tulane Venture Fellows, proof-of-concept and gap funding, commercialization and spin-outs
innovation.tulane.eduLoyola Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development
Where Loyola students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members turn ideas into action. Produces New Orleans Entrepreneur Week and hosts The Summit at Loyola.
Programs: IDEAcorps MBA Consulting Challenge, IDEAfellows, Innovate.LOYNO, Lean Launchpad (FedTech), Side Hustle Expo, Wolf Pack LaunchU, Savoie Ideation Lab
startup.loyno.eduXavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans HBCU; hosts the Louisiana SBDC Greater New Orleans regional office (Xavier South).
Programs: Louisiana SBDC Greater New Orleans office
xula.eduSUNO Small Business Development and Management Institute
Southern University at New Orleans incubator offering workshops and consulting to established small businesses and people considering starting one.
Programs: Workshops, consulting
suno.eduLSU New Orleans Research & Technology Park (The Beach at UNO)
A community where academia, government and entrepreneurs come together. Owned by the University of New Orleans Research & Technology Foundation.
Programs: Office and lab space for lease, StartupUNO, Louisiana Wind Energy Hub, NeXus, Louisiana Future Energy Center
thebeachuno.orgSoutheastern Incubator (Southeastern Louisiana University)
Office space and professional consulting for potential and existing businesses in the five Florida Parishes: Washington, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena.
Programs: Incubator space, consulting
southeastern.eduBayou Region Incubator (Nicholls State University)
Incubator focused on the South Bayou region, open to anyone, offering workspace and workshops to help small businesses grow.
Programs: Workspace, workshops
nicholls.eduLSU Innovation Park
Baton Rouge complex dedicated to technological innovation, startups and commercializing research; services open to any business.
Programs: Conference space, connections to LSU faculty, research and alumni
lsu.eduLSU Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute
LSU's entrepreneurship institute in the E. J. Ourso College of Business.
Programs: Entrepreneurship education and student ventures
lsu.edu/business/sdeis/index.phpULL Louisiana Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Center
University of Louisiana at Lafayette center for entrepreneurship and economic development.
Programs: Entrepreneurship programs
business.louisiana.edu/leedThe Enterprise Center at Louisiana Tech
Office space and access to Louisiana Tech faculty resources for corporations, startups, government agencies and other organizations.
Programs: Office space, faculty resources
latech.edu
Economic development & government
15 organizations
GNO, Inc. / StartupNOLA
GNO, Inc. is the economic development nonprofit for the 10-parish Southeast Louisiana region. StartupNOLA is its ecosystem-building initiative connecting entrepreneurs, investors, higher education and support organizations.
Programs: Ecosystem calendar, directory, Startup Noir NOLA, NOLA Entrepreneurship Council, Global Entrepreneurship Week New Orleans, R:3 River, Road, Rail pitch competition, Gulf Coast Defense Catalyst, jobs board
startupnola.comLA.IO (Louisiana Innovation)
A division of Louisiana Economic Development with a mission to position Louisiana as a global leader in innovation. Offers capital, coaching and connections to founders, investors and partners.
Programs: Louisiana Growth Fund, equity partners, lending pathways, accelerator support, SBIR/STTR help, Rural Tech Catalyst Fund, LA.IO events, Innovation Labs, ecosystem map; powers NOEW; co-produces the Louisiana Startup Report
la.ioCity of New Orleans
City government. Its Office of Economic Development supports the tech ecosystem by backing ESO grant applications, connecting industry with higher education to grow tech talent, and working to expand access to capital, especially for entrepreneurs of color.
Programs: Office of Economic Development
nola.govSource Louisiana Accelerator Program (LED)
Louisiana Economic Development program that equips Louisiana businesses with a plan to gain visibility and compete for contracts from major buyers.
Programs: Supplier readiness accelerator
opportunitylouisiana.gov/source-louisianaJEDCO (Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission)
Independent yet complementary arm of Jefferson Parish government whose mission is to build a resilient, equitable, diverse and competitive economy by driving quality jobs, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment in Jefferson Parish.
Programs: Business services, small business financing, Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator, Churchill Innovation & Research Campus, JEDCO Challenge
jedco.orgSt. Tammany Corporation
Lead economic development organization for St. Tammany Parish and the comprehensive resource center for business services across the parish.
Programs: Business retention and attraction, site selection, workforce development, incentives, STartUP Northshore
sttammanyedc.orgSt. Bernard Economic Development Foundation
Official economic development organization for St. Bernard Parish; a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to create and retain jobs, build prosperity and improve quality of life, including growing new sectors and entrepreneurship.
Programs: Business development, St. Claude Collective, Resilient St. Bernard
sbedf.orgSt. Charles Parish Economic Development
St. Charles Parish government's economic development and tourism department and a GNO, Inc. regional partner.
Programs: Business attraction, site information, tourism
stcharlesparish.gov/departments/economic-development-and-tourismTangipahoa Economic Development Foundation
Identifies new job and investment opportunities, helps existing businesses retain workers and expand, and advocates for economic development and workforce needs in Tangipahoa Parish.
Programs: Business retention and expansion, workforce and education advocacy
tedf.orgWashington Economic Development Foundation
Economic development organization for Washington Parish and a GNO, Inc. regional partner.
Programs: Business attraction and expansion
opportunitylouisiana.gov/resource/washington-economic-development-foundationAlgiers Economic Development Foundation
Nonprofit founded in 1991 to build a sustainable, business-friendly environment that grows investment and jobs in Westbank New Orleans through advocacy, marketing, business development and recruitment.
Programs: Free resources for developers and business owners, small business survey, youth workforce internships
algierseconomic.comGreater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership
Regional economic development organization for the Baton Rouge area.
Programs: Business attraction and small business programs
greaterbatonrouge.orgLafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA)
Economic development authority for Lafayette Parish.
Programs: Business development and attraction
lafayette.orgOne Acadiana
Regional economic development organization for the Acadiana region.
Programs: Business attraction and regional advocacy
oneacadiana.orgNorth Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP)
Regional economic development organization for North Louisiana.
Programs: Business attraction
nlep.org
Small business support & chambers
10 organizations
Fund 17
501(c)(3) community development nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs in the 17 wards of New Orleans, focused on BIPOC and under-resourced founders often overlooked by traditional incubation; offers accessible business services, capital and workspace.
Programs: 1:1 business development, Capital Ready, micro-loan access, affordable workspace, business tax preparation; Financial Wellness Collaborative with Propeller and Thrive
fund17.orgFlyte
New Orleans nonprofit (Financial Learning You Take Everywhere) that empowers entrepreneurs and families, especially Black women business owners, with the skills and resources to overcome systemic financial inequities.
Programs: Entrepreneur Empowerment Program (50+ early-stage owners a year), mentorship, financial education, access to professional resources; largely virtual
flyteeducation.orgEl Centro
New Orleans 501(c)(3) on a mission to close the racial wealth gap for Hispanics in South Louisiana, fostering Latino economic mobility with culturally competent, Spanish-language business support.
Programs: Spanish-language business coaching, monthly start-a-business workshops with LA SBDC, occupational-license guidance with the City, small business accelerator for Spanish-speaking owners
elcentrola.orgUrban League of Louisiana
New Orleans-based affiliate of the National Urban League working to build a Louisiana where Black people and other communities of the global majority achieve economic self-reliance, generational wealth and civil rights; entrepreneurship is a core avenue.
Programs: Women's Business Resource Center and Entrepreneurship Center (workshops, counseling, technical assistance), Black Business Works Fund, SEE CHANGE Collective
urbanleaguela.orgb1 Foundation
501(c)(3) public charity created by b1Bank to serve small-business owners in its Louisiana and Texas markets, focused on entrepreneurs and education.
Programs: One-on-one business counseling, financial coaching, lender recommendations, training classes and seminars, K-12 financial literacy
b1-foundation.orgLouisiana Small Business Development Center (Greater New Orleans)
Statewide SBDC network (hosted by LSU) partnered with the SBA and LED; the Greater New Orleans office at Xavier University serves Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James and St. John parishes.
Programs: Business consulting and training; Northshore office at Southeastern
louisianasbdc.orgThrive New Orleans
Social enterprise building thriving local economies through climate-resilient workforce and small-business programs.
Programs: Thrive Works Green, Green Business Academy, Thrive Center (T9), Financial Wellness Collaborative with Propeller and Fund 17
thrivenola.orgNew Orleans Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 2004 to give members the opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships within the City of New Orleans, with a 501(c)(3) Foundation focused on education and community development.
Programs: Advocacy, networking, member directory, Foundation programs
neworleanschamber.orgNew Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce
501(c)(6) that supports, promotes and educates its members for sustainable growth while empowering the Black business community through entrepreneurship and economic activity in Greater New Orleans.
Programs: Member advocacy, Women in Business Conference, networking
nolablkchamber.orgHispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
Since 1984, fostering a thriving business climate within Louisiana's Hispanic community; its Foundation focuses on personalized, Spanish-language programming for business owners.
Programs: Business training with the Louisiana SBDC (housed at its center), Spanish-language programming, member services
hispanicchamberla.com
Community, coworking & media
7 organizations
Startup Grind New Orleans
The New Orleans chapter of Startup Grind and the on-ramp for the city's earliest builders. We put New Orleans' earliest builders to work next to people who've done it before.
Programs: Beta in Progress (second Thursdays), Global Pitch Week local round, trivia nights, crawfish boil, holiday party
startupgrind.com/new-orleansNOLAvate Black
New Orleans' Black Tech Collective, building the collective capacity and economic sustainability of Black tech professionals and entrepreneurs and improving racial equity and inclusion in tech.
Programs: Black Tech NOLA (the Gulf South's first and largest Black tech conference), Black Tech NOLA AI Summit, Black Tech Lab meetups, AI hackathon with NSBE Louisiana, job board
nolavateblack.comThe Shop at the CAC
Workspace community at the Contemporary Arts Center that supports innovation and entrepreneurship; The Idea Village is a member.
Programs: Coworking, offices, event space
shopworkspace.com/location/new-orleansScale New Orleans
Warehouse District coworking community (since 2019) where members connect with the network needed to test and build world-changing ideas; part coworking space, part makerspace.
Programs: Flex memberships, private offices, day passes, meeting rooms, maker equipment, community events
scaleneworleans.comPalette Northshore
Workspace and resource community for entrepreneurs in Covington, the first of its kind on the Northshore, working with St. Tammany Corporation, STartUP Northshore, GNO, Inc., The Idea Village and Southeastern.
Programs: Flexible workspace, networking, entrepreneur resources
palettenorthshore.comThe Nieux
Event venue at 2040 St. Charles Avenue, built from the restaurant that once operated on the Eiffel Tower; 2026 home of Beta in Progress.
Programs: Events and meetings
The Maroon
Loyola University New Orleans' student newspaper and a Louisiana Startup Report community partner.
Programs: Campus news
loyolamaroon.com
Service providers
4 organizations
trepwise
Impact-focused consulting firm that helps organizations identify challenges and opportunities through entrepreneurial thinking, advising on finance, operations, marketing and strategy.
Programs: Strategic planning, operations and financial advisory, pro bono program, capacity-building with Propeller and Fund 17, Trep Tip series
trepwise.comLookFar Labs
New Orleans software design and development studio that works with SMBs and funded startups to help them innovate and grow, putting business goals first and technology second.
Programs: App development, product design, staff augmentation, brand development, user research, solution architecture
lookfar.com/company-overviewRevelry Labs
New Orleans software company (founded 2012) with product strategists, designers and engineers who build custom software for clients across the product life cycle.
Programs: Product development, staff augmentation, UX/UI design, apprentice program
revelry.coStone Pigman Walther Wittmann
New Orleans law firm and a Louisiana Startup Report community partner.
Programs: Legal services
stonepigman.com
Missing an organization or need a correction?
This directory gets better with every suggestion. Tell us who we missed or what changed.