Idea Village

The Idea Village is an economic development organization whose mission is to ignite innovation by providing strategy, talent and resources for entrepreneurial ventures.

The organization was founded by a group of local entrepreneurs who believe that innovation creates economic change. While they feel New Orleans has the natural assets to be a world-class entrepreneurial community, they believe we must create a linked network of resources to accelerate the development of entrepreneurial ventures to unleash this powerful spirit.

Specific programs include Village Ventures, Innovative Spaces, IDEAcorps™ and The Innovation Network.

The success of these programs can be seen in what has been accomplished. As of July 2007, the Idea Village has:

• Provided direct support to over 250 entrepreneurs through business strategy and grants.
• Retained over 1,019 jobs and $68 million in revenue.
• Developed plans for a linked network of innovative spaces that encourage cross collaboration and serve as catalysts for economic growth in each community.
• Launched the first physical affiliate in the Upper 9th Ward (The Idea Village @ N. Galvez), in partnership with Regions Bank, New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, Tulane University and Mercy Corps.
• Partnered with leading universities: Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, Harvard Business School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Masters Urban Planning Program, Columbia University Masters Urban Planning Program, University of Pennsylvania Engineering School and Tulane University Business School and School of Social Work.