Today is deadline for Northshore’s 2025 business pitch competition

The NSpire Startup Slam, a business pitch competition produced by STartUP Northshore, will return for a second year.

The 2025 event will take place on Jan. 9, at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond. The networking reception will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by a “live” shark-tank style pitch competition at 6 p.m. Chevron will serve as the presenting sponsor. STartUP Northshore partners include St. Tammany Corporation, Tangipahoa Economic Development, and Washington Economic Development Foundation.

Today is the deadline for companies to apply for the first round of consideration. Visit https://startupnorthshore.com/nspire/.

“We are immensely proud to bring back the NSpire Startup Slam for its second year,” said Chris Masingill, CEO, St. Tammany Corporation. “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.”

The 2025 competition will select three finalists who will pitch their businesses in front of a live audience and a panel of 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. All finalists will walk away with a cash prize of at least $5,000.

“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,” said Ginger Cangelosi, Executive Director of Tangipahoa Economic Development. “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.”

Who is Eligible for the NSpire Startup Slam?

The NSpire Startup Slam 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.

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 two years. They must 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 million in annual revenue in 2023; be incorporated as an LLC, an S corporation or a C corporation; and have a scalable, high-growth business model with a strong management team. Nonprofits and previous NSpire Startup Slam winners are not eligible to enter.

NSpire Startup Slam applicants will be evaluated on core criteria that includes concept, business model, market and traction, team, and commitment to and potential impact for the Northshore.