Produced by
Produced by
With Presenting Sponsor
With Presenting Sponsor
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 2025 NSpire Startup Slam will make its highly anticipated return to the historic Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond on Thursday, January 9, 2025. 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
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 2025 NSpire Startup Slam will make its highly anticipated return to the historic Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Hammond on Thursday, January 9, 2025. 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.”
“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.”
Pitch Competition | Food | Drinks | Networking
RSVP to Eventbrite: “2025 NSpire Startup Slam” or click below
Pitch Competition
Food | Drinks | Networking
RSVP to Eventbrite: “2025 NSpire Startup Slam” or click below
How it works
The 2025 NSpire Startup Slam will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2025 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. With Chevron as the Presenting Sponsor, startups from all industries, backgrounds, and locations are invited to apply for the chance to compete in this live, shark-tank style pitch competition until midnight Tuesday, November 19th.
The 2025 competition will select three finalists who will pitch their businesses in front of a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges. The grand prize will include a comprehensive package of cash and in-kind services from industry experts valued at over $115,000—making it one of the largest pitch competition prizes across the Gulf South. In an exciting update for 2025, all finalists will walk away with a cash prize of at least $5,000, ensuring that every participant receives support to continue their business journey.
How it works
The 2025 NSpire Startup Slam will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2025 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. With Chevron as the Presenting Sponsor, startups from all industries, backgrounds, and locations are invited to apply for the chance to compete in this live, shark-tank style pitch competition until midnight Tuesday, November 19th.
The 2025 competition will select three finalists who will pitch their businesses in front of a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges. The grand prize will include a comprehensive package of cash and in-kind services from industry experts valued at over $115,000—making it one of the largest pitch competition prizes across the Gulf South. In an exciting update for 2025, all finalists will walk away with a cash prize of at least $5,000, ensuring that every participant receives support to continue their business journey.
Who can 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, or generated less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue in 2023,
- 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.
Who can 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, or generated less than $1,000,000 in annual revenue in 2023,
- 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.
How are 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 are 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
Nov 19
2024
Applications Due
Nov 22
2024
Semifinalists Notified
Dec 06
2024
Semifinal
Round
Jan 09
2025
NSpire Startup Slam Finals
Think you have what it takes?
Applications for 2025 are now closed.
Here’s what’s up for grabs in 2025
Here’s what’s up for grabs in 2025
$50,000
Grant Award
>$65k High-Quality in-kind Services
The wrap-around in-kind professional service package includes
- Business advisement
- Marketing and branding strategy
- Startup legal and IP consulting
- Accounting and financial consulting
- Printing services
- Workspace and community memberships
>$65k High-Quality in-kind Services
The wrap-around in-kind professional service package includes
- Business advisement
- Marketing and branding strategy
- Startup legal and IP consulting
- Accounting and financial consulting
- Printing services
- Workspace and community memberships
Congratulations to the
2023 NSpire Startup Winner
Congratulations to
2023 NSpire Startup Winner
Relive 2023
Relive 2023
STartUP Northshore Partners
STartUP Northshore Partners
A Digital Product of
21489 Koop Drive, Suite 7
Mandeville, LA 70471
Copyright © 2022 StartUP St. Tammany. All rights reserved.
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