Presented by Propeller and Thrive New Orleans, is part of a key investment into blue-green infrastructure and coastal restoration in Louisiana that provides a stage for the multiple partners that are tackling the numerous critical water challenges faced by our region. Through a dynamic showcase and award presentations, the Water Challenge creates pathways for major contracts and associated business expansion opportunities for local small businesses in the water economy. This year’s entrepreneur showcase will feature presentations by five BIPOC, growth-oriented entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on innovation in the coastal and green infrastructure industries. Review panelists will feature executives from Louisiana’s anchor institutions and local government agencies, including Ghassan Khorban, CEO of the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. As part of the showcase, panelists will provide an overview of their 2023 contracting opportunities in green infrastructure and coastal restoration opportunities for local, small businesses.

The 2023 Water Challenge is supported by JPMorgan Chase, Delta Regional Authority, New Orleans Business Alliance, Greater New Orleans Foundation (founding sponsor), and the City of New Orleans. 

Entrepreneurs:

• Fabian Harper, Flourish Horticulture 

• Nathanael Scales, Garden Doctors 

• Travis Banks, Gravel Road Construction 

• Iam Tucker, ILSI Engineering 

• Jasman Marks & Chabry Marks, JC Marks Enterprises 

• Arien Hall & Louisa Aballe, Mastodonte 

• Christina Thuy Couvillion, Quality First Marine 

• Randy Smith, Wingate Engineers 

Panelists:

• Ghassan Korban, Sewerage and Water Board (S&WB)

• Brenda Breaux, NO Redevelopment Authority (NORA)

• Joe Threat, City of New Orleans Dept of Public Works (DPW)

• Greg Grandy, Coastal Preservation and Restoration Authority (CPRA)

• David Willis, US Army Corps of Engineers

• Oliver Thomas, City of NO - Councilmember District E