THE LAUNCHPAD Returns to Kick Off Global Entrepreneurship Week on the Northshore
Applications Now Open for STartUP Northshore's November 16 Pitch Competition
Media Contact: Cenzo Caronna
Immediate Release: September 28, 2026
COVINGTON, La. – Today, STartUP Northshore is proud to announce the return of THE LAUNCHPAD, a high-energy, live pitch competition spotlighting early-stage entrepreneurs from across the Northshore. The competition will kick off Global Entrepreneurship Week on Monday, November 16, bringing founders, business leaders, investors, and community partners together in Slidell as part of a weeklong celebration of entrepreneurship across the region. Applications are now open and will close on Sunday, October 25 at 11:59 PM.
Global Entrepreneurship Week, taking place November 16–22, is an international celebration of the people who start and grow businesses, with communities around the world hosting events that connect entrepreneurs with knowledge, mentors, investors, resources, and one another. THE LAUNCHPAD will serve as one of the Northshore's anchor activities during the week, while STartUP Northshore works alongside partners throughout Greater New Orleans to connect local entrepreneurs with additional events and opportunities across the Southeast Louisiana entrepreneurial ecosystem. 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.
STartUP Northshore is proud to welcome back OnPath Foundation as the 2026 Presenting Sponsor of THE LAUNCHPAD. Through its support, OnPath Foundation is expanding access to entrepreneurial programming and investing in the bold ideas shaping the future of St. Tammany.
“Being part of the judging panel for THE LAUNCHPAD’s summer competition was an incredible opportunity to see firsthand the creativity, passion, and determination of entrepreneurs across our region,” said Jay Huffstatler, Executive Director of OnPath Foundation. “We were impressed by the ideas and potential each contestant brought forward, and it reinforced just how important it is to create opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.
"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 judges watch as three finalists pitch their ideas at the Summer 2026 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 includes IDEAinstitute Northshore as well as multiple resources designed to support entrepreneurs throughout their journey from idea to exit.
“THE LAUNCHPAD has always been about more than what happens on stage. It's about connecting promising founders with the people, resources, and opportunities that can help them take their next step,” said Cenzo Caronna, St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Entrepreneur-in-Residence and STartUP Northshore Executive Director. “Hosting this competition during Global Entrepreneurship Week gives us an opportunity to showcase what's being built here on the Northshore while connecting our founders to the larger innovation ecosystem across Southeast Louisiana and beyond.
"With the continued support of OnPath Foundation and our regional partners, we want entrepreneurs to see the Northshore as part of a much broader network available to help them start and grow.”
Inaugural winner of THE LAUNCHPAD, Chris Andry of WSPER (L), joins STartUP Northshore Executive Director Cenzo Caronna (R) for a fireside chat.
For the winner of this summer’s event, THE LAUNCHPAD served as both a product advancement opportunity and a personal growth experience.
“THE LAUNCHPAD was an incredible experience for me and for IBEX. The support, feedback, and encouragement I received from StartUP Northshore helped me strengthen not only my pitch, but the way I think about the business and where it can go,” said Michael Bishop, Founder of IBEX. “Winning THE LAUNCHPAD was an incredible validation of the work I’ve put into IBEX, but the real value has been everything surrounding it including the education, the relationships, the confidence, and the momentum to keep moving forward.”
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 (L-R) IronRose Legacy Group, Northshore Bath Co., and IBEX at the check presentation for the Summer 2026 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.