THE LAUNCHPAD
THE LAUNCHPAD Pitch Series is STartUP Northshore’s newest program spotlighting early-stage entrepreneurs with bold ideas and big ambitions. Designed as a fast-paced, high-visibility pitch experience, THE LAUNCHPAD offers founders the chance to take the stage, connect with investors, and compete for startup resources to power their next move.
This mini-pitch series builds on the momentum of our flagship NSpire Startup Slam and responds to growing demand for more frequent and accessible funding opportunities across the Northshore. Each event features three finalists pitching their ventures to a live panel of judges—with a total prize pool of $5,000 on the line.
Whether you're ready to pitch or just want to be inspired, THE LAUNCHPAD is where ideas lift off.
Pitch Competition | Food | Drinks | Networking
RSVP to Eventbrite: “2025 NSpire Startup Slam” or click below
How does it work?
Each event for THE LAUNCHPAD will select three early-stage founders to compete in a live, Shark Tank-style pitch showdown. Finalists receive individualized pitch coaching leading up to the event and take the stage to present their businesses to a panel of judges and a live audience.
🏆 $5,000 Prize Pool
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$3,000 to the winner
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$1,500 to each runner-up
The inaugural event will take place Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM (location TBA), hosted in partnership with Gulf South Angels (GSA). The evening will also include a special presentation from GSA on what investors look for in early-stage startups and how founders can best position their ventures for growth.
📅 Apply by Thursday, July 31 at 11:59 PM for your shot to compete.
Who can compete in THE LAUNCHPAD?
Interested businesses must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be located in St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, or Washington Parish
- Actively participate in the Northshore entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Have received less than $50,000 in investment to date
- Have generated less than $250,000 in revenue to date
- Have a viable business model with a strong management team
*Nonprofits and previous winners of NSpire Startup Slam are not eligible.
How are the startups evaluated?
THE LAUNCHPAD applicants will be evaluated on core criteria that includes:
- Clarity of Concept
- Strength of Business Model
- Market Understanding & Traction
- Team & Execution Capability
- Commitment to and Potential Impact for the Northshore
Competition Timeline
Applications Due
Finalists Notified
LAUNCHPAD Event
Experience the excitement of THE LAUNCHPAD!
Designed as a fast-paced, high-visibility pitch experience, THE LAUNCHPAD offers founders the chance to take the stage, connect with investors, and compete for startup resources to power their next move.
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Just want to attend?
Join us for a high-energy night of innovation, inspiration, and connection. THE LAUNCHPAD is free and open to the public—come cheer on innovative ideas and local startups!
Questions? Let us help you!