SHARE YOUR STORY.

The Summit 2026 is building a stage for the ideas, lessons, and breakthroughs that define entrepreneurship in New Orleans and across the Gulf South. If you've got an idea, a story or insight to share, we want to hear it!

Applications Close Friday, November 21 at 11:59 PM

Apply Now

The NOEW Summit is all about real founders, real challenges, and real solutions. We're curating programming that reflects the diversity, creativity, and grit of our community with sessions that deliver actionable value and authentic stories from the field.

Here's what we want to see in 2026:

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

FOUNDERS JOURNEYS

Share the pivotal moments—the tough decisions, the unexpected pivots, the lessons learned the hard way. We want stories that inspire action, not just applause. Tell us what its really like!

Examples:

The pivot that saved you

Confessions of a founder: What no one tells you

Building bold in the Gulf South: Why we stayed, scaled, and succeeded

SECTOR SPOTLIGHTS

Dive into the industries shaping the future of the Gulf South. Think: tech, health, hospitality, maritime, energy, climate innovation, and culture. How are entrepreneurs reimagining these sectors for the future? Show us what’s next!

Examples:

Reimagining hospitality and retail for the next decade

Maritime and energy futures: Innovation from Louisiana's oldest industries

Culture as capital: How creativity fuels economic growth

EXECUTION & TACTICS

Founders need practical resources at every stage of their journey. We’re talking tools, frameworks, and strategies they can put to work immediately. Share your operational insights, growth tactics, and hard-won expertise that moves businesses forward. We want your insights and playbooks!

Examples:

The startup tech stack

From first hire to building team culture

The marketing playbook: ROI strategies for 2026

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Eco-systems thrive when founders support founders. Share how community, culture, and inclusion have shaped your journey, and how others can do the same. Collaboration drives growth!

Examples:

Funding the underfunded

Community-based business models that scale

Opportunities and barriers in Louisiana's economy

Session Formats

Curated conversations exploring trends, challenges, and opportunities with multiple voices and perspectives. (30–45 minutes)
Hands-on, tactical sessions where attendees walk away with tools and frameworks they can apply immediately. Perfect for teaching specific skills or processes. (45–60 minutes)
High-impact presentations for big ideas and bold stories. Share your founder journey, key insights, or expertise in a focused, memorable way. (15–20 minutes)
We're open to creative formats that deliver real value to founders. Pitch us your vision in the application.

APPLY NOW

What Makes a Great Session?

✅ Actionable – Attendees leave with something they can use immediately
✅ Authentic – Real stories, real struggles, real lessons
✅ Relevant – Grounded in the Gulf South ecosystem or applicable to it
✅ Fresh – New perspectives, not recycled advice
✅ Inclusive – Reflects the diversity and creativity of our community

❌ What we don't want: Sales pitches and generic startup advice