NOEW has always been a gateway to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and a front door to the future of business, entrepreneurship, and innovation in our region. It’s a place where big ideas are sparked, launched, and grown with the support of the broader community.
In 2025, NOEW will continue to foster the intersection of innovation, culture, and ideas, while encouraging conversations along the following key themes:
THEMES SHAPING
NOEW 2025
START IT HERE
In case you were wondering – YES, New Orleans has everything you need to start and build a thriving business, across a variety of industries.
“Start It Here” highlights the dynamic opportunities for entrepreneurs to launch businesses in New Orleans, tapping into local resources, diverse ecosystems, and a supportive community that fosters growth.
From retail businesses, to food entrepreneurs, to the cultural economy, businesses of every size and stripe can learn how to leverage the region’s unique assets to create a strong foundation for success.
SCALE IT HERE
“Scale It Here” emphasizes how entrepreneurs can grow and expand ventures within New Orleans and out to other markets.
Whether you seek to franchise your place-based business, explore how and when to take on investment, or learn how to be part of a growing team, this theme will share resources and tips while highlighting other entrepreneurs in the region who are growing successful ventures from here.
By leveraging local talent, partnerships, and ecosystem support, this theme provides insights into how startups and other scaling businesses can thrive and succeed on a larger scale, both regionally and beyond.
BUSINESS OF THE FUTURE
New Orleans must continue to “future-proof” its economy, and that starts with business leaders leaning into trends, industries, and ideas that will keep our city moving forward.
“Business of the Future” explores how our region can lead in major opportunity verticals such as climate tech, culture tech, and health innovation, while developing and sustaining an innovation-ready workforce that prioritizes the diversity that is at the heart of what makes our city unique.
This theme delves into how technology can enhance the tradition and historical legacy of our great city, and drive New Orleans’ growth in a rapidly evolving world.
(NOT SO) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Have the robots outsmarted us yet? Stay tuned, as we explore the real-world applications, rapidly evolving trends, and potential for AI to transform entrepreneurship in New Orleans and beyond.
From automating processes to enhancing decision-making, “(Not So) Artificial Intelligence” highlights how this game-changing technology is not just futuristic, but a present-day tool that can be harnessed by startups and businesses to drive innovation and growth.