JA StartUp Empowers the Region's Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

Nine young entrepreneurs, nine growing businesses, and one community committed to investing in what's next.

That spirit was on full display as Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans celebrated the conclusion of its second annual JA StartUp program with the 2026 JA StartUp Business Showcase. Held inside JA BizTown, the event brought together community leaders, judges, mentors, family members, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate a new generation of micro entrepreneurs who are already transforming their ideas into thriving businesses.

Designed for entrepreneurs ages 18 to 25, JA StartUp is more than an entrepreneurship program. It is an accelerator that equips young business owners with the knowledge, relationships, and resources they need to build sustainable businesses while strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across Southeast Louisiana.

Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, this year's program expanded to serve nine entrepreneurs representing industries including food service, financial services, personal care, photography, fitness, technology, landscaping, and creative media. Throughout the program, participants demonstrated exceptional creativity, determination, and a deep commitment to serving their communities through entrepreneurship.

This year's cohort included:

●      Sundiata Strange, founder of 5 Star Grub Hub, offering catering and plate lunch services.

●      Cornelius Johnson, founder of Cut & Capture, specializing in photography and videography.

●      Zyan Williams, founder of 504 Training, providing sports performance and athletic development.

●      Lance Richardson, founder of Leeshine Financials, helping Louisiana families access life insurance and financial protection.

●      Trinity Marshall, founder of The Milan Collective, a lifestyle brand focused on fashion, beauty, wellness, and media.

●      Matisse Coleman, creator of AllerFree, a mobile application helping consumers identify food allergens while shopping.

●      Collin Chatelain, owner of CVC Lawncare, providing residential and commercial lawn maintenance.

●      Rowan Dicket, owner of RGD Bakery, creating gourmet cakes, cookies, cake pops, and custom desserts.

●      Zakaira Casimir, founder of Sweets & Heats, combining sweet treats and hot meals into a unique culinary business.

Throughout May and June, cohort members participated in a series of workshops and collaborative learning experiences designed to strengthen every aspect of their businesses. The program opened with a partner roundtable featuring leaders from Fund 17, Propeller, The Idea Village, and the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans, introducing participants to the region's entrepreneurial support network.

Additional sessions explored taxes and bookkeeping with Justin Williams of Helping Hand Accounting LLC, digital storytelling and business advocacy with Blair and Brandon Dottin-Haley through the Apple Community Education Initiative, and Business Model Canvas development led by Junior Achievement's Director of Impact & Innovation, Jordan Cressey. Each workshop combined practical instruction with mentorship, networking, and peer collaboration, giving participants both the technical knowledge and confidence to continue growing their businesses.

The program culminated with the JA StartUp Business Showcase, where entrepreneurs transformed JA BizTown into a vibrant marketplace of innovation. Rather than delivering formal pitches from a stage, each participant created an interactive business display, inviting judges, community members, and supporters to experience their products and services firsthand. The format encouraged meaningful conversations, authentic customer feedback, and relationship building while allowing attendees to support their favorite businesses through community voting chips.

Judges evaluated businesses on customer understanding, business viability, branding, financial preparedness, and growth potential while providing personalized feedback and encouragement.

This year's judging panel included Perry Sholes, President of Progressive HR Strategies and founder of the Career Immersion & Leadership Institute; Rae Dawson, Realtor, investor, and entrepreneur; Kevin McLin Jr., actor, producer, and founder of McLin Entertainment Company of America; and Chef Emanuel January of Galatoire's Restaurant and owner of 8 Assassin Fresh Food.

Perhaps even more valuable than the funding awards, each judge committed to mentoring one entrepreneur over the coming year. Kevin McLin Jr. will mentor Cornelius Johnson of Cut & Capture; Chef Emanuel January will mentor Sundiata Strange of 5 Star Grub Hub; Perry Sholes will mentor Lance Richardson of Leeshine Financials; and Rae Dawson will mentor Zyan Williams of 504 Training, ensuring that the relationships formed during the Showcase continue long after the event concluded.

The enthusiasm throughout the evening reflected the impact the program has already had on participants.

One judge described the Showcase as "absolutely incredible," praising both the quality of the entrepreneurs and the professionalism of the event.

"I'd heard about the impact Junior Achievement has on students, but experiencing it firsthand gave me an entirely new appreciation for the work being done," said Rae Dawson. "The young entrepreneurs were top-tier."

She also praised the collaboration and intentionality behind the event, adding that she left "energized, inspired, and truly over the moon" after witnessing the commitment of JA's staff and the determination of the entrepreneurs.

The Showcase demonstrated what becomes possible when young entrepreneurs are given access to mentorship, practical business education, funding opportunities, and a community that believes in their potential.

Through the continued generosity of partners such as the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust and the many mentors, judges, volunteers, and community organizations that invested in this year's cohort, JA StartUp is helping build pathways to business ownership, economic mobility, and long-term success.

For these nine micro entrepreneurs, the Showcase marked more than the completion of a program. It marked the beginning of businesses that will continue creating opportunity, innovation, and impact throughout our community.

And for Junior Achievement, it reaffirmed a simple belief: when young entrepreneurs are equipped with the right tools, trusted mentors, and a supportive community, they don't just build businesses—they build what's next.