STartUP Northshore Opens Applications for Return of THE LAUNCHPAD Pitch Competition
OnPath Foundation Joins as Presenting Sponsor to Support Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Across the Northshore
Media Contact: Cenzo Caronna
Immediate Release: June 4, 2026
COVINGTON, La. – Today, STartUP Northshore announced the return of THE LAUNCHPAD, a live high-energy pitch competition spotlighting early-stage entrepreneurs from across the Northshore. The event will be held at North Star Theatre in Mandeville on Thursday, July 23. Applications are now open and will close on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Designed to provide early-stage founders with a high-visibility platform, individualized pitch coaching, and access to startup resources, THE LAUNCHPAD helps entrepreneurs refine their ideas, strengthen their stories, and connect with the mentors, investors, and community members who can support their next stage of growth. Three finalists will compete for a $5,000 prize pool, awarding $3,000 for the winning pitch and $1,000 for each runner-up – helping to bring their next big move within reach while encouraging entrepreneurial growth on the Northshore.
This year, STartUP Northshore is proud to welcome OnPath Foundation as the 2026 Presenting Sponsor of THE LAUNCHPAD for two competitions. Through its support, OnPath Foundation is helping expand access to entrepreneurial programming and invest in the bold ideas shaping the future of the region.
“At the OnPath Foundation, we believe strong communities are built by investing in people with bold ideas and the drive to create meaningful impact,” said Jay Huffstatler, Executive Director of OnPath Foundation. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with STartUP Northshore on THE LAUNCHPAD and support emerging entrepreneurs as they take the next step in growing their businesses. Entrepreneurship is one of the Foundation’s core pillars, and we’re excited to celebrate and invest in innovators who are helping shape the future of our region.”
A panel of four judges watch as three finalists pitch their ideas at the 2025 THE LAUNCHPAD pitch competition.
Building on the success of STartUP Northshore’s premiere pitch competition, the NSpire Startup Slam, THE LAUNCHPAD offers a complementary platform for early-stage founders who are working to get their ideas off the ground. The competition is part of STartUP Northshore’s growing program pipeline, which also includes IDEAinstitute Northshore as well as multiple resources designed to support entrepreneurs throughout their startup journey.
“THE LAUNCHPAD continues to create meaningful opportunities for founders to test their ideas, sharpen their message, and build momentum,” said Cenzo Caronna, St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Entrepreneur-in-Residence and STartUP Northshore Executive Director. “Through this program, founders gain more than just pitch experience. They gain feedback, mentorship, visibility, and meaningful connections that help accelerate their growth. With support from our great partners at OnPath Foundation, we’re expanding access to those opportunities and helping strengthen the pipeline of early-stage entrepreneurs across the Northshore.”
Early-stage founder, Chris Andry, pitches the concept behind his company, WSPER, at the 2025 THE LAUNCHPAD pitch competition.
For the winner of last year’s inaugural event, THE LAUNCHPAD served as both a business development opportunity and a personal growth experience.
“THE LAUNCHPAD didn’t just help grow my business, it helped shape the leader and storyteller behind it,” said Chris Andry, Founder of WSPER. “One of the biggest areas of growth has been how I communicate about the business. The LAUNCHPAD helped me refine not only my pitch deck, but also my story. I learned how to better explain the ‘why’ behind what I’m building, connect with people more effectively, and present my company with greater confidence and purpose.”
The competition will feature finalists pitching live to a panel of expert judges. Finalists will receive individualized coaching prior to the event and compete for startup funding and resources designed to help advance their business.
Finalists WSPER, AxeCo Media, and WhatGradeWillItGet.com at the check presentation for the 2025 THE LAUNCHPAD pitch competition.
To learn more about this event, apply to pitch your business, or register to attend, visit startupnorthshore.com/the-launchpad or contact STartUP Northshore Executive Director Cenzo Caronna at vcaronna@sttammanyedc.org.
Please reach out directly to STartUP Northshore Executive Director, Cenzo Caronna, for any media inquiries or to schedule interviews.