Thousands of people across Louisiana want to start their own businesses and are looking to learn more. That’s why BREW 11 will return March 8-10 and feature an expo for high-growth companies at the Bon Carré Business Center. Registration for the event will open Nov. 1.
The goal of BREW 11 is to foster connection, community and education. To do that, the expo will be more like a cocktail party than a conference networking event. Entrepreneurs will be able to showcase their businesses to potential investors and the public in a social setting.
The opening night expo is not for selling; it’s more about helping the community to understand and appreciate new and innovative companies. An application for the expo will be available later this year.
BREW 11 will feature keynote speakers of entrepreneurs who have built tech-enabled companies in Louisiana, and the line-up will be announced later this year.
“BREW represents a core part of our mission to help accelerate the development of high-potential, technology-driven companies by connecting them to the people and resources they need to grow their businesses,” says Nexus Louisiana President and CEO Genevieve Silverman.
Compete to Win $100,000
The highlight of BREW, as usual, will be the High-Stakes Pitch Competition. The winning startup will receive $100,000 in funding from Innovation Catalyst and the Red Stick Angel Network.
The BREW High-Stakes Pitch Competition is back to give Louisiana’s most promising startups a chance at an investment prize to invigorate and propel their businesses to success as we all look toward the future of entrepreneurship in the state.
Every applicant needs to meet these baseline qualifications to compete:
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Louisiana-based business or willingness to relocate
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Less than $250,000 in 2020 revenue
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Incorporated as a limited liability company, an S corporation or a C corporation
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A scalable, high-growth business model with a strong management team
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Companies that previously pitched at BREW are eligible to participate.
Representatives of NexusLA, Innovation Catalyst and the Red Stick Angel Network will pick the top applicants to participate in the semi-final pitches, at the Nexus Louisiana Technology Park. To help perfect their pitch-decks and presentations, these participants will receive coaching and mentorship from the representatives. It is also recommended that they check out business communication expert Michael Roth’s recent talk to the Nexus Louisiana Tech Park Academy.
The judge’s criteria for picking the three finalists and the ultimate winner will be based on which company has the best presentation and is the most “investable company,” says Bill Ellison, the CEO of Innovation Catalyst and the Red Stick Angel Network. There is an old saying that the three most important criteria in deciding whether to invest in a startup is “team, team, and team,” says Ellison. However, the judges will also be focusing on whether the company has a unique, innovative offering with a scalable business model that addresses a critical pain point for a large and growing market.
If your company qualifies, “it’s a no-brainer to apply to the High-Stakes Pitch Competition,” says Chris Jordan, CEO of Omnidek Inc. and last year’s winner. “You stand to receive expert coaching and mentorship, hone your pitch deck and presentations skills, network with peers and accredited investors and potentially win a $100,000 investment from Innovation Catalyst and the Red Stick Angels, who will then help you grow your company.”
4 Ways to Participate in BREW
Beyond entering the High-Stakes Pitch Competition, people can take part in BREW 11 in four main ways, even if they aren’t startup founders:
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Attend keynote sessions and community activities.
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Sponsor the event.
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Donate to BREW or buy BREW gear.
Ultimately, BREW 11 is about bringing people together to build connections, community and knowledge. We look forward to you joining us.
