NSpire Startup Slam

The stage is set, and excitement is building once again as STartUP Northshore prepares for the return of the NSpire Startup Slam, the Northshore’s premiere business pitch competition. Presented by Chevron, the 2026 NSpire Startup Slam will make its highly anticipated return to the historic Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond on Thursday, January 8, 2026. This annual event provides rising entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, celebrate creativity, connect with industry leaders, and receive the necessary support and resources to transform their visions into thriving businesses. By hosting this prestigious competition, STartUP Northshore fuels the entrepreneurial spirit, attracts investment to the region, and positions the Northshore as a hub of innovation within the gulf south.

“We are immensely proud to bring back the NSpire Startup Slam for its second year. This competition has quickly become a cornerstone of our efforts to showcase the incredible innovation and entrepreneurial spirit thriving on the Northshore. We’re calling on all local entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity to gain visibility, secure critical resources, and take their businesses to the next level.”

Chris Masingill
CEO, St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation

“Tangipahoa Economic Development is a proud partner of STartUP Northshore, and we’re excited to welcome the return of the NSpire Startup Slam to downtown Hammond, America. This event is more than just a competition—it’s a catalyst for economic growth and community empowerment, showcasing the talent and creativity that make the Northshore a thriving entrepreneurial hub.”

Ginger Cangelosi
Executive Director, Tangipahoa Economic Development

The 2026 NSpire Startup Slam will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond, beginning with a networking reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by the competition kickoff at 6:00 p.m.

Startups from all industries, backgrounds, and locations are invited to apply by 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025, for the chance to compete in this live, shark-tank style pitch competition.

Nine companies will be selected from the application pool to pitch in person during the semifinal round. From there, three finalists will advance to the grand stage to pitch their businesses in front of a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges.

The grand prize includes a comprehensive package of cash and in-kind services from industry experts valued at over $100,000, making it one of the largest pitch competition prizes in the Gulf South. All finalists will receive a cash award of at least $5,000, ensuring that every participant leaves with resources to continue their business journey.

Businesses must:

Be located on the Northshore (St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, or Washington Parish) OR are willing to locate their base of operations to the Northshore for at least 2 years,
Actively participate in the Northshore entrepreneurial ecosystem,
Be in business for five years or less, or be an existing business creating a new division or entity, and generated less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue in 2025,
Be incorporated as a limited liability company, an S corporation or a C corporation, and
Have a scalable, high-growth business model with a strong management team.

*Nonprofit organizations and previous NSpire Startup Slam winners are not eligible to enter.

Nov 16

Applications Due

Nov 21

Semifinalists Notified

Dec 05

Semifinal Round

Jan 8

2026 NSpire Startup Slam Finals