The Idea Village: Center of Innovation

When one thinks of New Orleans, typically the first images that come to mind are Mardi Gras, JazzFest, and the French Quarter.  That is, until Katrina.  But since Katrina, there are a host of new initiatives planting their roots in the "Big Easy." One such company is The Idea Village - a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to accelerate the growth of New Orleans by advocating for a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.  We caught up with Tim Williamson and Lauren Baum to discuss how they are turning New Orleans into a world-class entrepreneurial community.

When it comes to making their good ideas happen, The Idea Village believes in the power of collaborations and community.  "All great accomplishments begin with a simple idea, and a team of people to execute.  Successful entrepreneurs need not know how to do everything.  You simply need to know enough people who, collectively, know how to do everything."

Some specific examples of these collaborations include their work with Google and Tulane University.  "One example of this extended network is a team of Google employees who joined forces with The Idea Village to help launch [the 504ward] competition [a $200,000 business competition for entrepreneurs].  In early September, 30 dedicated Googlers shared their time, innovative spirit and Google know-how to develop the execution and promotion strategy."  

Another such example is their recent collaboration with Tulane University called IDEAcorps.  Formed in partnership with Tulane University in 2006, IDEAcorps connects civic and business-minded college and graduate students to New Orleans-based entrepreneurial ventures.  To date, The Idea Village has engaged over 220 students from 7 national universities, including Tulane University, Stanford University, Harvard University, DePaul, Massachussetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University, and University of Pennsylvania.

The Idea Village believes in rebuilding from the grassroots level by empowering innovators and entrepreneurs.  When it comes to their mission, Tim Williamson explains that, "we realized that building infrastructure for entrepreneurs was the key to creating quality jobs and retaining talent in New Orleans.  We believe this next generation of leaders will drive positive economic and social change in the community.  Right now, New Orleans is a center of innovation, attracting the best and the brightest from around the world to contribute to the reinvention of a great American city.  Retaining this talent is central to developing a vibrant entrepreneurial community, and programs and partnerships, such as 504ward, are critical to our success."

We applaud The Idea Village and everyone in the New Orleans community collaborating and partnering together.  Hopefully, they'll all make their "good" ideas happen!

The Idea Village has recently launched 504ward’s $200,000 business competition for entrepreneurs with ideas.  Open to ANYONE, $100,000 in cash and $100,000 (and growing) in services and resources!  Visit 504ward.com for additional information and check out theYouTube page at youtube.com/ideavillage.