presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans is sparking a new wave of bold, creative young micropreneurs—the kind of innovators who are rewriting the story of who gets to build a business in our city. In New Orleans, entrepreneurship isn't just about starting companies—it's about economic mobility, cultural power, and opening doors that weren’t always open.

With JA StartUP, young adults ages 18–25 are proving that the next generation of New Orleans innovators comes from every neighborhood, every background, and every hustle. They’re building businesses in music, food, art, culture, wellness, and tech—and they’re showing the city what’s possible when opportunity meets talent. These micropreneurs aren’t waiting for permission. They’re shaping the future of New Orleans—one small, mighty, world-changing idea at a time.

JA StartUP gives young entrepreneurs the tools to level up their hustle—helping them strengthen their business models, learn how to scale sustainably, and confidently tell their story. At the JA StartUP Showcase, these creators step into the spotlight to pitch their ideas to mentors and the New Orleans community, with the chance to earn up to $25,000 in funding and a full year of dedicated mentorship. This isn’t just a pitch event—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of culture shapers and opportunity builders in our city.

For More Information, Contact Eric Walter at eric@jagno.org

Read more about the 2025 JA StartUP Program and Cohort