Propeller and 4.0 Schools Announce New PitchNOLA Focused on Education

Propeller and 4.0 Schools join forces for PitchNOLA: Education, the latest addition to Propeller’s PitchNOLA series, focused on solutions to improve equal education outcomes for all New Orleanians.

4 September 2015

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 2, 2015) – Local social innovation hub Propeller and education incubator 4.0 Schools have teamed up to announce PitchNOLA: Education, a competition that will award over $10,000 in total cash prizes to entrepreneurial solutions to increase equitable education outcomes for all New Orleanians.

“We are excited to be partnering with Propeller to support New Orleans Education Entrepreneurs,” said Matt Candler, Founder and CEO of 4.0 Schools. “Pairing 4.0’s experience working with education entrepreneurs and Propeller’s focus on successfully launching New Orleans ventures, we can ensure that every entrepreneur has the resources and support they need to be successful."

PitchNOLA: Education is the latest installment in Propeller’s PitchNOLA series, a series of issue-specific business pitch competitions tackling areas including health and blight. Since 2009, PitchNOLA has contributed over $70,000 to 22 ventures.

This competition seeks concrete solutions with sustainable revenue streams addressing key challenges including funding for early childcare, triggers for poor academic performance and absenteeism, and pathways to vocational education and alternatives to four-year college degrees.

“New Orleans has made significant gains in K-12 student achievement since Katrina, but there is still more work to ensure educational equity,” said Propeller Executive Director Andrea Chen. “We believe entrepreneurs play a key role in this effort, and we’re thrilled to work alongside 4.0 Schools to catalyze and support education entrepreneurship.”

On November 4, 2015 at the Propeller Incubator, Semi-finalists will pitch their ideas on stage to a panel of judges for a chance to win $10,000 to fund their idea and a $500 Audience Favorite Award determined by a live text-in vote. Seats are available now on a first come, first served basis on Eventbrite.

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend upcoming question and answer sessions on Wednesday, September 9 (12-1pm) and Monday September 14 (4:30-5:30pm) at the Propeller Incubator, 4035 Washington Ave.

Applications are due at midnight on Sunday, October 4, 2015 and available online here.