Here’s the pitch: Baton Rouge area startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners are being invited to make their cases to participate in a pitch competition during the upcoming New Orleans Entrepreneur Week, at which a $10,000 prize package is up for grabs. The competition, called Get Started NOLA, will take place on Wednesday, March 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Chicory in New Orleans. The competition, which is being sponsored by Cox Business and Inc. magazine, is also open to businesses in the Acadiana and New Orleans areas. Candidates interested in participating have until Midnight Sunday to make their pitch online. Get complete details.
On the lookout: Dunkin’ Donuts announced today it’s recruiting franchisees throughout Louisiana, with an emphasis on the Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles and Lafayette markets. Currently, nine Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants operate in the state, including three in Baton Rouge. “To help fuel growth in Louisiana, special development incentives are available which include reduced royalty fees for three years and up to $10,000 in local store marketing support for timely openings,” reads a news release from the company, which has more details on franchise opportunities in Louisiana.
Battle tested: U.S. Army officials visited Leesville to hear concerns about a potential downsizing that could remove more than half the personnel at Fort Polk in Vernon Parish. At Tuesday’s listening session in Leesville, and concurrent events in Alexandria and Lake Charles, The Town Talk reports the community support that stakeholders hope will play a big part in the Army’s decision was on display. “This community has fought hard,” said Michael Reese, chairman of Fort Polk Progress, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and advocating for the base. “We’re going to show them a fight tonight.” Read the full story.
