BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Growth Network has launched its first-ever Innovation Cohort in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation to foster entrepreneurship and technological innovation through a bold new initiative aimed at supporting already successful entrepreneurs who are working on their next big endeavor.
The initiative launched after Innovation Day at Super Bowl LIX, where Louisiana Economic Development (LED) announced the launch of Louisiana Innovation (LA.IO) — a new division dedicated to making the state a leader in creating more high-growth, technology-enabled startup companies.
“LA.IO is all about coaching, capital, and connections,” Josh Fleig, LED’s first Chief Innovation Officer said. “This first-of-its-kind program brought together entrepreneurs from diverse industries and backgrounds to engage in facilitated discussions with the goal of sharing insights and building connections with peers. When the right people are involved and connected, we know we can transform key business challenges such as market expansion, operational efficiency and leadership development into actionable plans so that founders can achieve their goals and maintain momentum.”
To kick off the program, five visionary entrepreneurs participated in an intensive three-day retreat at a facility on the Tickfaw River in Springfield owned by Dan Ducoté.
Ducoté serves as an Entrepreneur Emeritus (E2) for the Edward Lowe Foundation. E2s are highly experienced entrepreneurs that elevate peer learning to a new level and enhance the delivery of programs designed for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs. The participating companies will remain engaged through a series of monthly roundtable meetings where they will discuss the tools and strategies needed to accelerate the growth of their existing businesses and new ventures.
“We’re excited to launch this new program in partnership with LED, a national leader in supporting second-stage companies,” Colleen Killen-Roberts, vice president of entrepreneurship at the Edward Lowe Foundation, said. “Our founder, Ed Lowe, believed that entrepreneurs learn best from other growth-minded business owners, so peer learning and forging new connections are key components of the program. The five companies participating in this inaugural cohort exemplify both innovation and cutting-edge technology, and it was an honor to work with each of them.”
Participants in the inaugural Louisiana Innovation Cohort are:
- John Anders, CEO of Anders Construction and founder of new startup Levare.US, which provides an innovative solution for structural piling repair.
- Tim Keeley, CEO of Martin Specialty Coatings, a full-service specialty coatings company that has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in technologies to improve operational efficiency.
- Kellen Francis, CEO and founder of CodeGig, a software company specializing in AI and machine learning, as well as custom development. CodeGig has created innovative software designed to track carbon emissions and tax credit incentives. The software also utilizes AI and machine learning to predict emissions, helping companies reduce their carbon footprint.
- Chris Meaux, founder and CEO of startup QiMana, Inc., a new AI product platform called Solomon built for business and entrepreneurship to bridge the gap from ideation to success with a blend of AI-driven guidance and real-world human insights.
- William McGehee, owner of Tin Roof Brewing Company and co-founder of new startup Encore CO2, which transforms CO2 via electrolysis into valuable carbon building blocks for the creation of sustainable products.
Formerly called Small Business Services, the new Louisiana Growth Network focuses on supporting businesses with high-growth potential and ensures that Louisiana entrepreneurs have the resources and strategic guidance needed to thrive in competitive markets. LED plans to launch additional Innovation Cohorts.
For more information on the Louisiana Growth Network or Innovation Cohorts, visit opportunitylouisiana.gov/small-business/growth-network or contact Senior Director Chris Cassagne at 225.342.5882 or Christopher.Cassagne@la.gov.