Catalyzing Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Business Formation on the Northshore.

HOW WE HELP

We’re cultivating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem here on the Northshore that will offer entrepreneurs access to immersive education, networking events, mentorship from esteemed leaders, founders, and capital investors as critical support systems to help them become scalable ventures.

22-1130-DRAFT-STartUP-Northshore-Brochure-5-1 (1)

Meet Vincenzo Caronna – Our Entrepreneur in Residence & Program Manager

Caronna - smaller
ideainstitute-startupns-page-header

 

Turn an idea into a scalable venture.

 

IDEAinstitute
Northshore
2022 FALL COHORT

/ WELCOME TO LOUISIANA'S STARTUP LAUNCHPAD / Start something here.

STartUP Northshore is where bold ideas meet boundless opportunity. We’re igniting innovation and shaping the future of entrepreneurship across Louisiana. It’s not just about the Northshore—it’s about setting a new standard for ventures that transform the Gulf South economy and beyond.
22-1130-DRAFT-STartUP-Northshore-Brochure-5-1 (1)

Our Purpose Stimulate economic growth by empowering innovative businesses

At STartUP Northshore, we’re cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem designed to help businesses scale and succeed. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, we provide access to immersive education, dynamic networking events, and mentorship from industry leaders, successful founders, and capital investors—all on the Northshore.

We will help you develop a plan for your business, no matter the stage you are

Entrepreneur Journey - idea
I want to develop my idea
Entrepreneur Journey - start
I want to start my business
Entrepreneur Journey - grow
I want to grow my business
Entrepreneur Journey - exit
I want to sell my business

Develop My Idea

  • Find your big idea icon

    Step 1

    Find your big idea

    Formulate ideas that tackle real pressing problems
    Learn more
  • Validate your idea icon

    Step 2

    Validate your idea

    Turn your assumptions into actionable insights


     

  • build your network icon

    Step 3

    Build your network

    Learn to grow through relationships and connections
    Learn more
  • Create a blueprint icon

    Step 4

    Create a blueprint

    Build your business into more than just an idea

    Learn more

Start My Business

  • build a foundation icon

    Step 5

    Build a Foundation

    Lay the groundwork that will bring your business to life
    Learn more
  • develop your brand icon

    Step 6

    Develop your brand

    Create your business's identity


     

  • develop your marketing strategy icon

    Step 7

    Develop your marketing strategy

    Spread the word and grow
    Learn more

Grow My Business

  • develop your strategic plan icon

    Step 8

    Develop your strategic plan

    Prepare for what lies ahead
    Learn more
  • buil to scale icon

    Step 9

    Build to scale

    Establish sustainable scaling practices


     

  • find funding icon

    Step 10

    Find Funding

    Find the right funding for your growth-stage business
    Learn more

Exit My Business

  • exit your business icon

    Step 11

    Exit your business

    Ready to look for what's next?
    Learn more

Accelerate Your Growth Through Our Programs

IDEAinstitute

From Idea to Scalable Business in 10 Weeks

IDEAinstitute is an idea-stage accelerator program that introduces innovative entrepreneurs and aspiring startup founders to the tools they need to turn an idea into a scalable venture.

Learn More
25 0110 startupnorthshore Homepage program photo - ideainstitute

NSpire Startup Slam

Pitch Your Vision. Inspire the Future.

The NSpire Startup Slam is a live pitch competition giving entrepreneurs a platform to showcase bold visions and compete for one of the largest prizes in the Gulf South.

Learn More
25 0110 startupnorthshore Homepage program photo - nspire

Our Impact

Great economies are fueled by great entrepreneurs. Since 2022, STartUP Northshore has been building a culture of dreamers, changing the mindset of our community to not just think big but to act on those big ideas. When we talk about ‘building an ecosystem,’ it’s more than just providing resources. Through immersive education, networking opportunities, access to capital, and coaching, we're cultivating talent, attracting investment, creating jobs, and fueling economies.
200 +
Entrepreneurs Served
300 +
Mentor Hours Provided
$ 180 K+
In Prizes Awarded

Experience the excitement of NSpire Startup Slam!

The ideal paragraph length should be between 170 and 200 characters for better clarity and conciseness. This format is perfect for capturing attention while conveying key information effectively.

00-business-seminar-with-a-speaker-presenting-to-a-large 00-diverse-team-of-business-people-brainstorming-ideas
00-diverse-group-of-confident-businesswomen-in-modern

Join to our Entrepenurial network A hub for entrepreneurial ideas, innovation, and collaboration

The ideal paragraph length should be between 170 and 200 characters for better clarity and conciseness. This format is perfect for capturing attention while conveying key information effectively.

Hear what our alumni are saying!

IDEAinstitute Northshore was an integral part of the hyper-growth of our business. It helped us to nail down our customer and in turn we went viral, resulting in our first 6-figure month!

Victoria McKinley
Founder, 11th Haus

With the tools I learned, I’ve been able to secure multiple event opportunities, expand my range outside of Louisiana, and secure funding outside of traditional sources. IDEAinstitute Northshore pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and allowed me to think outside of the box by breaking the box!

LyKinda Thibodeaux
Founder, Queen E's Pure Premium Jams

After going through IDEAinstitute Northshore, I’ve been able to meet other business founders and I realize I’m not alone in my quest for knowledge and guidance.

Richelle Bannon
Founder & Owner, 4 Seasons Barks & Bubbles

From the expertise of the program administrators and shared experiences of entrepreneurial alum, to the connections forged and mentorship opportunities, IDEAinstitute Northshore has served as the ultimate business accelerator program. IDEAinstitute is where dreams become reality.

Kim Bergeron
Founder, Illuminations: Immersive NOLA

IDEAinstitute's modules are so user-friendly and suitable for entrepreneurs at all stages of development. Their expertise in streamlining my website and implementing an effective marketing strategy resulted in a significant 65% increase in sales

Tiffany Long
Founder, Butterfly FX

IDEAinstitute has been a fantastic rubric for all the planning and development I completed before starting the program. Some things I got right, other matters I completely missed. It is even better to have an engaged cohort full of non-energy focused expertise to solicit feedback.

Elliot Metzger
Founder, Talisea

As I am creating a business model to turn this personal brand into a tech-driven business that is scalable, Idea Village is helping me identify my avatar and discovering what is missing in the health wellness market that I can fill. IDEAinstitute Northshore is allowing me to take a step back and look at what is happening then discovering solutions to help make this idea scalable.

Jen Smiley
Founder & Expert Food Coach, Wake Up! and Read the Labels
Vincenzo Caronna headshot.

Questions? Let us help you!

Vincenzo Caronna

Entrepreneur-in-Residence & Startup Northshore Program Manager