Scale your growth with Louisiana's best accelerators & incubators

This innovative accelerator focuses on providing equitable access to funding and support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, specifically Black, Hispanic, Latino, Indigenous American, and Pacific Islander founders. The program targets startups building the future in sectors such as Commerce Technology, Consumer Brands and Platforms, the Creator Economy, and ClimateTech. Running over a duration of 13 weeks, the initiative culminates in a Demo Day where participants showcase their progress to potential investors. The inaugural class featured eleven standout startups, benefiting from a robust mentorship structure that offers one-on-one guidance, access to capital, and the chance to connect with a vibrant community of peers and industry experts. Through strategic partnerships with the investment community, it aims to dismantle systemic barriers that limit opportunities for these entrepreneurs. The accelerator enjoys the backing of J.P. Morgan, reinforcing its mission to foster innovation and diversity within the startup ecosystem. Funded startups receive a standard deal offering $120,000 for 6% equity, exemplifying the commitment to early-stage venture capital and seed funding initiatives. Founded by notable entrepreneurs including Brad Feld and David Cohen, this organization remains pivotal in promoting sustainable growth and innovation.

Techstars New Orleans powered by J.P. Morgan's Website

Based in New Orleans, this 501(c)3 nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting regional startups and fostering entrepreneurship. Its mission is to empower founders by providing resources and creating opportunities for scalable ventures. The institution offers several accelerator programs, including the IDEAinstitute, which supports innovative entrepreneurs at the idea stage; IDEAfuel, tailored for early-stage startups; and VILLAGEx, its flagship program that connects high-growth founders with world-class mentorship and resources. In FY 2021-2022, the Greater New Orleans area saw 11 exited companies, with over $2.5 billion in acquisitions, including seven that were alumni of this organization. The VILLAGEx 2022 cohort benefited from over 830 hours of mentorship, with services valued at more than $215,000. They operate across various sectors while actively engaging with a network of passionate mentors, entrepreneurs, and community partners. Founded by Allen Bell, Robbie Vitrano, and Tim Williamson, it plays a crucial role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Greater New Orleans, driving significant impact through its mentorship and program offerings.

Idea Village's Website

An accelerator program linked to the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, this institution is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and economic revitalization in the region. It primarily focuses on biotechnology but also supports small businesses across various industries, including environmental and healthcare technology. Transitioning to a micro-venture capital model, they offer investment options such as equity, convertible debt, and loan financing. To date, portfolio companies have created or retained over 500 full-time-equivalent positions and contributed approximately $5 million to the local economy. Notable startups like AxioSim and Fluence Analytics have benefited from this support. AxioSim secured funding for growth, while Fluence Analytics developed innovative real-time monitoring tools for polymer reactions. Additionally, collaboration with the Propeller accelerator helps revitalize blighted areas into incubators for innovation. Founded by Alex Reed and Arman Sadeghpour, the organization plays a crucial role in providing essential funding for startups that may not meet traditional financing criteria, thereby driving long-term job creation and economic development in Louisiana.

New Orleans BioFund's Website

This non-profit startup accelerator is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in the Gulf Coast region. It provides a broad array of high-impact educational and consulting services aimed at facilitating entrepreneurial growth. The organization runs the VILLAGEx Accelerator, an industry-leading, mentor-driven program that supports venture-scale startups in their journey to raise at least $1 million within 24 months. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups present their advancements to potential investors. Having nurtured over 300 later-stage startups, alumni have achieved notable milestones such as securing over $1 million in venture funding and creating teams exceeding 500 members. Additionally, the accelerator is a member of the Morrow accelerator network, connecting it with leaders across over 160 locations worldwide. Founders Allen Bell, Robbie Vitrano, and Tim Williamson guide this initiative, which serves a diverse range of technology-enabled companies. With a focus on community engagement, it offers mentorship from experienced executives and hosts the Big Easy Ideas podcast, exploring themes of innovation and technology within the entrepreneurial landscape.

The Idea Village's Website

The Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute at Louisiana State University is dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurial practices through a variety of co-curricular activities and outreach programs. It works in conjunction with the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems to promote student innovation and impact local, state, and national economies. Key programs include the J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge, an annual competition that awards a share of $35,000 to finalists pursuing business ideas. The high-energy Startup LSU event allows participants 54 hours to create and pitch their concepts. Additionally, the Young Entrepreneurs Academy offers high school students the opportunity to gain hands-on entrepreneurial experience under faculty mentorship. For local adults, a six-week Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs covers essential topics to support early-stage ventures. The Mark and Judy Weaver Ideation Lab serves as an innovation hub for students, equipped with modern resources such as a 3-D printer. Community engagement is also a priority, focusing on instilling an entrepreneurial mindset within Baton Rouge. Notable founder John Roma Skok highlights the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in diverse industries including agriculture tech and edtech.

Louisiana State University - Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute's Website

The New Orleans BioInnovation Center is a private, not-for-profit business incubator dedicated to fostering bioscience innovation throughout Louisiana. They work directly with entrepreneurs and researchers to commercialize new technologies stemming from Louisiana universities, healthcare institutions, or independent innovators. The center's goal is to establish globally competitive life science companies by offering customized commercialization services, top-notch facilities, and an extensive support network. While the exact number of start-ups associated with NOBIC is unspecified, they actively support Louisiana biotech innovators in building successful businesses. NOBIC specializes in bioscience and biotech innovations, empowering Louisiana entrepreneurs in these sectors. The center provides ongoing support to entrepreneurs and businesses. Key benefits include tailored commercialization services, access to cutting-edge lab spaces, a strong support network, hosting the BioChallenge pitch competition, and implementing a diversity program in life sciences entrepreneurship. Notable founders of NOBIC include Alex Reed and Arman Sadeghpour.

New Orleans BioInnovation Center's Website

The ULM Business Incubator, based at the University of Louisiana, Monroe in Lake Monroe, is a valuable resource for budding entrepreneurs and early-stage startups. It provides shared space, services, and equipment to new firms, offering a supportive environment during the vulnerable early stages of startups. Business owners benefit from directing more resources towards establishing or growing their ventures, with shared services, access to office equipment and technology, flexible leases, and room for expansion. The incubator actively seeks new investments, likely collaborating with local investors and industry experts. It supports businesses across various sectors, including information technology (IT). In addition to basics, it likely offers perks like mentorship, networking opportunities, and workshops to build a strong foundation for start-ups. With program durations typically spanning several months to a few years, interested individuals should reach out directly for the most up-to-date details.

ULM Business Incubator's Website

Propeller is a nonprofit organization based in New Orleans. It offers more than just a workspace; it is a passionate community of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals who care about the city and are driven to achieve results. The Propeller Impact Accelerator is a 5-month program that supports a cohort of 20 entrepreneurs in each cycle. It provides them with connections to contract opportunities, markets, and customers to accelerate their growth. Entrepreneurs benefit from mentorship, guidance from subject matter experts, 12+ hours of business development curriculum, and 25 hours of consultancy work. The program focuses on embedding racial equity and impact processes into business operations while promoting networking opportunities. Entrepreneurs also receive free coworking space at Propeller's facility and become part of a network of over 300 alumni. The accelerator specializes in Community Economic Development, Education, and Food industries. It is sponsored by foundations like Clif Family Foundation and Capital One. The founders of Propeller are Andrea Chen and Thomas Rush.

Propeller Incubator's Website

This interactive 5-month program, based in New Orleans, aims to catalyze transformational growth for entrepreneurs. Running from June 29 to November 15, 2024, it provides a robust framework including coaching, community building, and technical assistance. The accelerator supports a cohort of 20 entrepreneurs focusing on initiatives that prioritize financial viability, social impact, and racial equity. Participants are paired with experienced mentors and receive over 12 hours of individualized strategy sessions, along with a business development curriculum and approximately 25 hours of consultations with subject matter experts. The initiative particularly champions BIPOC entrepreneurs, those involved in early childhood education, and those operating sustainable consumer packaged goods brands using locally-sourced ingredients. Led by notable figures such as Andrea Chen and Thomas Rush, the organization boasts a strong network of over 300 alumni. As part of the accelerator experience, entrepreneurs have access to free coworking office space and a cohesive community that fosters collaboration and support for their growth objectives.

Propeller Impact Accelerator's Website

This prominent early-stage education incubator is dedicated to transforming the future of learning by fostering a robust community of education innovators. With a vision of creating an education system that caters to every family's needs, the organization emphasizes equity and inclusivity, ensuring that leaders in education reflect the nation's diversity. They have tested over 1,800 innovative educational ideas, impacting approximately 9 million students through initiatives rooted in community engagement and collaboration. To date, $17 million has been deployed to ambitious founders who are pioneering change in the educational landscape. The accelerator specializes in education innovation and equity, addressing various domains such as curriculum development and teacher training. Led by founder Matt Candler, the institution is focused on moving resources and authority closer to communities, enabling bold ideas to flourish in the quest for a more equitable education ecosystem.

4.0 Schools's Website

The organization is a business incubator and accelerator dedicated to enhancing the growth of high-potential technology-enabled companies. Its mission is to support entrepreneurs through coaching, capital, and valuable connections while fostering regional collaboration to create mentorship and investment opportunities. Featuring the Ignition 1.0 program, a nine-week entrepreneurial accelerator in partnership with LSU, it is designed for aspiring tech entrepreneurs to evaluate their business ideas through customer discovery and development. The accelerator focuses on various sectors, including biotech, general technology, and Software as a Service (SaaS). Through its initiatives, the institution aims to empower tech entrepreneurs with the critical resources necessary for success, positioning itself as a pivotal player in Louisiana's technology ecosystem.

NexusLA's Website

Camelback Ventures focuses on addressing inequities in education and social innovation by providing essential support to underrepresented entrepreneurs, particularly people of color and women. Their flagship program, the Fellowship, is a rigorous 15-week social impact accelerator that runs twice a year. It equips fellows with coaching, capital, connections, and a curated curriculum emphasizing the fields of Education and Conscious Tech. Since its inception in 2015, the institution has supported over 133 entrepreneurs, many of whom have been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 and have received prestigious fellowships, including Echoing Green and Richards Draper Kaplan. Collectively, the fellows have raised over $50 million in funding. The program features weekly virtual coaching sessions, an in-person kick-off, and graduation events, fostering a strong community of emerging leaders. By creating a robust support ecosystem, the organization nurtures individual talents and aims to reshape the broader landscape of social innovation. Founded by Aaron Walker, it contributes to diverse solutions across various industries, including Edtech, Fintech, Personal Finance, and Social Media.

Camelback Ventures's Website

Opportunity Machine, also known as Accelerate South, is a business incubator and accelerator located in Lafayette, Louisiana, United States. The accelerator runs a 12-week program tailored for innovative healthcare companies within the health technology and biomedical sector, which are high wealth-generating industries in the US. It aims to elevate early-stage technology and research-driven startups by providing specialized business education, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a workspace conducive to high-growth ventures. While the exact number of associated start-ups and investors remains unspecified, the program has supported numerous ventures in industries like biotech and healthcare tech. Notable founders and start-ups that have benefited from the program include those focused on health technology innovation. The program's duration is 13 weeks, offering a structured approach to fostering the growth and success of participating companies.

Accelerate South's Website

The Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program is a dynamic initiative designed to rapidly advance startups, existing businesses, and innovative ideas into flourishing companies. It offers intensive mentorship and comprehensive support, empowering over 315 startups to grow quickly and effectively. Startups associated with the program have collectively raised more than $100 million in funding, underscoring its impact on the entrepreneurial landscape. Over 90 startups have been launched under its guidance, which follows a structured three-stage process to refine ideas and resources for transforming ventures into revenue-generating firms. The program welcomes startups from various domains, including notable industries such as Fintech, Food and Beverage, and Healthcare Tech. Participants receive a wide range of services, including mentorship, business plan development, financial analysis, and market insights, all aimed at preparing them for crucial funding opportunities, including angel investment. Notable alumni include Lagniappe Labs, Innolyzer, and Oleolive, which have leveraged these resources to achieve significant milestones. Overall, this program stands as a robust platform fostering innovation and connecting entrepreneurs with the essential resources and mentorship necessary for their success.

Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program's Website

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this incubator investment firm specializes in technology and emerging media sectors. Actively investing in areas such as software development and digital media, they align their focus with innovative startups in these domains. To date, the organization has made investments in four projects, with one currently in its portfolio and two successful exits under its belt. While specific perks and benefits provided to startups are not detailed, it is typical for accelerators to offer resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and potential funding to enhance the growth of their portfolio companies. The firm remains committed to fostering the success of its ventures within the entertainment and general tech industries.

Liquid Ventures's Website

The SWLA Chamber-Economic Alliance, a key player in fostering economic growth in Southwest Louisiana, operates under the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, collaborating with various entities to enhance the region's economic landscape. Their mission is to enhance the area's economic prosperity and community development. The Seed Center Business Incubator, a partnership among Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, City of Lake Charles, McNeese State University, and SWLA Alliance, aims to stimulate growth in the region. With over 1,200 members, the organization is among the state's largest chambers and holds a prestigious Five-star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ranking in the top 1% nationally. It has been awarded the title of Large Chamber of the Year three times by the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The Alliance focuses on diverse industries such as paper, plastics, and chemical production, alongside promoting Cajun and Native American culture. Hosting events like the LegisGator Luncheon and advocating for economic policies, the Alliance drives regional economic development through collaboration and advocacy efforts.

SWLA Chamber-Economic Alliance's Website

This distinguished startup accelerator is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 2011, it offers a 12-week Ignition Accelerator program designed to support early-stage startups in refining their value propositions and business models. The program emphasizes rigorous problem and solution validation, equipping participants to build their minimum viable products. With a rich network of mentors, founders receive essential support, encouragement, and guidance throughout their entrepreneurial journey. Notable founders associated with the institution include Barre Tanguis, Chris Schultz, Peter Bodenheimer, and Will Donaldson. It is also part of the TechStars Network, catering to a diverse range of industries, including Blockchain and Fintech. Graduating its first class of six companies in May 2011, the accelerator continues to empower new startups by providing tools and networking opportunities for access to capital. Additional benefits include professional support on legal structures and integration into a vibrant startup community that fosters innovation and collaboration. By nurturing a dynamic ecosystem for growth and success, it plays a critical role in the startup landscape.

Launch Pad Ignition, LLC's Website

The Nexus serves as the premier hub for technology development in Louisiana, dedicated to driving economic growth and job creation through support for high-tech startups. It provides an array of resources designed to accelerate the growth of technology-driven businesses across various sectors, including software development and biotechnology. The institution thrives on a collaborative environment, allowing startups to connect, share knowledge, and benefit from the synergistic influence of being surrounded by like-minded innovators. Startups gain access to expert guidance, office space, networking events, and specialized educational programs tailored to their needs. The focus remains on fostering a vibrant ecosystem conducive to innovation. The experienced team is committed to navigating startups through their growth journey and ensuring they bring their products and services to market effectively and efficiently, thus playing a vital role in nurturing technology-driven entrepreneurship within the state.

Louisiana Technology Park's Website