Applications are now closed. The Water Challenge by Propeller and Thrive New Orleans, presented by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase AdvancingCities, New Orleans Business Alliance, and Entergy will feature entrepreneurs with innovative strategies to improve the way our region lives with water. During this showcase event, entrepreneurs will pitch to a judges’ panel consisting of industry leaders and experts to compete for $15,000 in cash prizes.

Selected finalists will receive $1,000 and support in the form of pitch coaching, financial coaching, and design support in preparation for their final pitch.

With roots extending nearly 100 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation, which serves the 13-parish region of Southeast Louisiana, has over 1,000 different philanthropic funds and assets of $460 million. In 2010, the Foundation co-founded the Water Challenge, a nationally-awarded program that mentors start-ups on how to turn their ideas to solve the region's water issues into viable solutions. In 2014, Propeller took over the implementation of the Water Challenge, and the Foundation is proud to now be sponsoring Propeller's work. 

About The Water Challenge

Over the past decade, Propeller has awarded over $200,000 to entrepreneurs through its PitchNOLA Series. PitchNOLA winners have utilized the funding to expand in new markets, scale to reach over $1 million in annual revenue, and received notable attention in the Washington Post, The Guardian, the Times-Picayune, The Advocate, WWNO, and WWL-TV.

The Water Challenge

Over $15,000 for entrepreneurs with viable strategies to improve local urban water management and coastal water outlook.

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