The Idea Village has become one of the most important forces in the Gulf South for developing and retaining entrepreneurial talent. Based in New Orleans, the nonprofit was founded with a mission to identify promising founders, give them the resources they need to grow, and keep them rooted in the region. Over the years it has helped transform the local startup scene into a nationally recognized hub for innovation.
The organization operates as more than just a single accelerator. It has built an entire pathway for entrepreneurs at different stages of growth. Early stage founders often start in the IDEAinstitute program, a ten-week experience designed to help participants turn raw ideas into viable business models. The program covers customer validation, business modeling, and financial projections, ending with a public pitch event that gives founders valuable exposure.
From there, companies that are ready for more intensive growth support can move into IDEAfuel, which focuses on BIPOC founders. This program provides non-dilutive capital, one-on-one mentorship, and targeted resources to help close the funding gap many underrepresented entrepreneurs face.
For startups on the verge of raising significant capital, the Idea Village offers VILLAGEx, a mentor-driven accelerator designed for founders aiming to secure at least one million dollars within two years. This program is where high growth potential meets high touch guidance, culminating in a major Demo Day that connects founders directly with investors. The Momentum Fund, affiliated with the Idea Village, offers another layer of support by investing in promising alumni companies.
Beyond its programs, the Idea Village is known for its role in building community. Each year it hosts New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, a citywide celebration that brings together founders, investors, and thought leaders for keynotes, workshops, and high energy pitch competitions. The 3rd Coast Venture Summit, held during NOEW, serves as a major bridge between Gulf South startups and national venture capital.
The impact is measurable. Over the years, the Idea Village has helped launch and grow hundreds of companies, many of which have gone on to raise substantial capital and expand far beyond Louisiana. Yet its greatest achievement may be cultural. By fostering a supportive, founder-first environment, the Idea Village has helped position New Orleans as a city where ambitious entrepreneurs can start, scale, and succeed.
The Gulf South has often been overlooked in conversations about innovation. The Idea Village is changing that, proving that with the right vision and structure, regional ecosystems can compete at the highest level.
The Idea Village Team: The Leaders Driving Gulf South Innovation
At the helm of The Idea Village is a small but dynamic leadership team empowered to build and sustain the Gulf South startup ecosystem.
Jon Atkinson leads as Chief Executive Officer. He brings a deep background in entrepreneurial finance, academia, and advisory work. He was the founding director of the Loyola University Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development and also served as a professor. He is a co-founder and fund administrator of Lagniappe Angels, LLC and holds an MBA in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship. Beyond his professional life he can often be found rowing the Gulf, traveling, or enjoying Chef’s Table on Netflix.
Liz Maxwell, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, is a creative producer and facilitator with a rich history in the impact economy and arts. A New Orleans native, she lived and worked across the U.S. and internationally, and spent years producing content for SOCAP. She is also recognized as a Women4Climate Fellow and an award-winning theatre director.
Megan Balch serves as Managing Director. With over a decade of experience in building B2B and DTC ventures, she brings expertise in R&D, marketing, product development, logistics, and team development. She recently relocated from New York and holds a degree from NYU.
Andrew Albert is the Programs Director, responsible for leading accelerator programs including IDEAinstitute, IDEAfuel, VILLAGEx, and more. He previously led venture growth efforts at Venture for America and played a key role in Lucid’s path to becoming New Orleans’ first unicorn. He also founded Exclave Spirits & River Basin Distillery. He holds a Master’s from the London School of Economics
