Idea Village

Jon is an expert in startups, customer development methodologies, and entrepreneurial finance. His past experience combines a diverse knowledge as a professional investor and ‘recovering’ banker with skills gained as a professor, CEO, CFO, business advisor, board member, and strategic consultant to deliver unique business insights in guiding and financing unique business insights in guiding and financing growth oriented companies. Jon was previously the founding director for the Loyola University Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Loyola University New Orleans. He is also a co-founder and the Fund Administrator for Lagniappe Angels, LLC. Jon also holds his MBA in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship from Tulane University. When he isn’t busy supporting the entrepreneurs of New Orleans, you can find Jon rowing out in the waters of the Gulf. He also loves all things traveling, coffee and LaCroix, and watching Chef’s Table on Netflix. Jon’s favorite thing about working at The Idea Village is providing businesses with the resources they need to be successful, as well as the great potential he sees in the entrepreneurs of New Orleans.

Mr. Atinkson reported the mission of Idea Village is to identify, support and retain enterprenurial talent in the New Orleans Region. Through mentorship, capital, education, and networks, they help ambitious founders reach the next level in their journey and create real economic impact in our region. There are several programs to support founders for a rapid growth. IDEAinstitute is a semiannual idea-stage accelerator program that introduces innovative entrepreneurs and aspiring startup founders to the tools they need to turn an idea into a scalable venture. VILLAGEx is their industry-leading, mentor-driven accelerator program for venture-scale startups that aim to raise at least $1M in the next 24 months. In 2023, The Idea Village launched a new affiliated venture capital fund called the Momentum Fund to invest in breakout alumni of the flagship VILLAGEx accelerator program.

Please click here to view Mr. Atinkson’s full presentation

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano, membership chair at membership@gnoea.com.

Thank You & Announcements

Q2 dues reminder

Member referral program has been extended to the end of 2026! Refer a member and once they join you will receive one quarter of waived dues.

Member Thank You’s & Announcements

Duaine Duffy, Benefit Analyst, informed the membership about George Rojas’ passing and asked for a moment of silence.

Nick Wall, KTE Analytic, thanked Bill Dalton, Firefly Marketing, for the opportunity to present an AI presentation to local business leaders.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

June 9- No Meeting

June 16- TBD- board meeting

June 21- No meeting

June 30- Tim Scott, Fischer & Phillips

July 7- No meeting, Happy Fourth of July

July 14- Michael Sawaya, Audubon nature Institute, Board meeting

July 21- No meeting

July 28- Dr. Savoie, Loyola Buisness School

Check the website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar. Speaker suggestions: contact Program Chairman, Nick Wall at nwall@kteanalytics.com