
NSpire Startup Slam
STartUP Northshore celebrated one year of supporting Northshore entrepreneurs with the inaugural NSpire Startup Slam, the first ever startup pitch competition on the Northshore with entrepreneurs competing for a prize package valued at more than $60,000. 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.
NSpire Startup Slam
STartUP Northshore celebrated one year of supporting Northshore entrepreneurs with the inaugural NSpire Startup Slam, the first ever startup pitch competition on the Northshore with entrepreneurs competing for a prize package valued at more than $60,000. 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.
“NSpire Startup Slam will bring together everything that makes the Northshore special—ideas, innovation, and locally-sourced grit. We want this event to be a clarion call to entrepreneurs across the region. Our message is simple: come, showcase your ventures, and attract the game-changing investment and network that could propel your business to new heights.”
“Tangipahoa Economic Development is a proud partner of STartUP Northshore, and we welcome the NSpire Startup Slam to downtown Hammond, America, right here in Tangipahoa Parish. The NSpire Startup Slam is set to ignite new opportunities, enrich our business landscape, and strengthen the Northshore’s position as an entrepreneurial hub.”
“Pitch competitions are a great opportunity for exposure for founders to present their startups to potential investors and other stakeholders, making connections and getting invaluable feedback. The fact that Northshore entrepreneurs can compete locally for a prize package of more than $50K while they scale their businesses is a testament to the power of regional thinking and the Gulf South area as a hub for entrepreneurship.”
Congratulations to
2023 NSpire Startup Winner
Congratulations to
2023 NSpire Startup Winner
Kinkz

Who could compete in the NSpire Startup Slam?
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,
- Have yearly revenue under $1,000,000,
- 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 are not eligible to enter.
Who could compete in the NSpire Startup Slam?
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,
- Have yearly revenue under $1,000,000,
- 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 are not eligible to enter.


How were the startups evaluated?
NSpire Startup Slam applicants will be evaluated on core criteria that includes:
- Concept
- Business Model
- Market & Traction
- Team
- Commitment to and potential impact for the Northshore
How were the startups evaluated?
NSpire Startup Slam applicants will be evaluated on core criteria that includes:
- Concept
- Business Model
- Market & Traction
- Team
- Commitment to and potential impact for the Northshore
Competition Timeline
Competition Timeline
Sep 26
Applications Due
Sep 29
Semifinalists Notified
Oct 13
Semifinal Round
Nov 03
NSpire Startup Slam Finals
2023 NSpire Startup Slam Finalists
2023 NSpire Startup Slam
Finalists








What was at Stake?
What was at Stake?

$25,000
Grant Award
>$35k High-Quality in-kind Services
The wrap-around in-kind service package includes
- Business advisement services from:
- The Bernard Group,
- Martin Business Solution, LLC,
- B2B CFO® and
- MCDS, LLC;
- Marketing and branding strategy from
- Ninety by Three, LLC and
- PERK Social;
- Startup legal services from The Sean Morrison Law Offices, LLC; and
- Accounting consultation with HORNE
>$35k High-Quality in-kind Services
The wrap-around in-kind service package includes
- Business advisement services from:
- The Bernard Group,
- Martin Business Solution, LLC,
- B2B CFO® and
- MCDS, LLC;
- Marketing and branding strategy from
- Ninety by Three, LLC and
- PERK Social;
- Startup legal services from The Sean Morrison Law Offices, LLC; and
- Accounting consultation with HORNE
Produced by
Produced by

In Collaboration With

STartUP Northshore Partners
STartUP Northshore Partners





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