2024-2025 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Bring the Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge to your classroom in the Fall, volunteer as a mentor in the Spring, or cheer on the Semi-Finalist teams at The Big Pitch - it’s all a part of The Challenge.
FALL 2023
August - November 2024
JA Launch Lesson
Get inspired by one of our incredible local entrepreneurs who can share their story of perseverance and determination. We’ll schedule these talks around existing assemblies or other large group events. If you are interested in scheduling an entrepreneur speaker, please contact Jordan at jordan@jagno.org.
JA Catalyst
JA Catalyst brings young entrepreneurs through the ideation process., solving real-world problems through innovation and design thinking. This in-class program is teacher taught and uses design thinking and lean startup methodology to help student come up with their own Crazy Idea. Students will learn the fundamentals of business, creating their own business model canvas and pitch.
This 7-session program can be completed over an entire term or compressed into two weeks. The program culminates in a startup pitch. Students can use Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Canva to make their pitch deck.
Thursday| December 5, 2024
Midnight
Greater New Orleans Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge Submission Deadline
Students can submit their idea to be considered for the 2025 Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge Idea Accelerator at www.trustyourcrazyideaschallenge.org/submit
We’ll select up to semi-finalist teams who will participate in our spring intensive entrepreneurial program, where they will work with mentors and coaches to refine their ideas and their pitch!
Greater New Orleans Mandatory JA Idea Accelerator Orientation Meeting
Parents, teachers, and students are required to attend this 1-hour orientation meeting. Each team must be complete. Each team member is required to attend with their guardian.
Northshore Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge Semi-Final Pitch
Students from St. Tammany Parish will pitch for a chance to represent the Northshore at the Big Pitch GNO Finals at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week.
Thursday| December 19th
6:00PM-7:00PM @Junior Achievement’s Office
5100 Orleans Avenue New Orleans, LA 70124
Friday | December 13th
SPRING 2023
Wednesdays | January-March
4:30PM-6:30PM
Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans OfficeTBA
TBA
In-Person Public Speaking Clinic
Public Speaking Coach will host this in-person public speaking clinic at the Junior Achievement office at 5100 Orleans Avenue
Young Entrepreneur Forum @ NOEW
Students from across the state are invited to attend the Young Entrepreneurs’ Forum.
This event is part of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week and features a panel of Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge Alumni, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts who discuss the challenges young entrepreneurs face and the opportunities and resources available to them in their communities.
TBA
TBA
2023 Big Pitch Semi Finals
After months of training, the Semi-Finalist teams are ready to pitch their Crazy Ideas! Each Semi-Finalist team will pitch their Crazy Idea to a panel of local entrepreneurs for a shot at up to $5,000 in scholarships and a spot representing New Orleans at the State Finals. 2 runners up will receive $2,500 in scholarships.
TBA
Idea Accelerator Workshop Series
The Semi-Finalist teams will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings for two hours to hear from local entrepreneurs and work with mentors to develop their business plans into a pitch, pitch deck, and commercial.
The Idea Accelerator workshops will be held at the Junior Achievement Office 5100 Orleans Avenue New Orleans LA 70124. Dinner is provided.
Workshop Dates TBA
Workshop #1: Wednesday, January 8th 4:30-6:30PM
Workshop #2: Wednesday, January 15th 4:30-6:30PM
Workshop #3: Wednesday, January 22nd 4:30-6:30PM
Workshop #4: Wednesday, January 29th 4:30-6:30PM
Workshop #5: Wednesday, February 5th 4:30-6:30PM
Workshop #6: Wednesday, February 12th 4:30-6:30PM
Workshop #7: Wednesday, February 19th 4:30-6:30PM
Workshop #8: Wednesday, February 26th 4:30-6:30PM
TBA Additional Pitch Practice: TBA
2025 Big Pitch Finals at NOEW
Join us for our Big Pitch Finals, our local final competition for the Greater New Orleans Area. Students will pitch on the New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) Stage ahead of the NOEW Idea Pitch. Our winner will receive $5,000 in scholarships and will represent GNO in the 2025 TYCIC Regional Finals. Two runners-up will also receive a $2,500 scholarship.
2025 Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge Regional Final Competition
The Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge Finalists from New Orleans, Monroe, Shreveport, Lafayette, and Gulfport will (virtually) pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges from across Louisiana.
The State Champion will receive $10,000 in Scholarships.
The three runners-up will receive $2,500 in scholarships.
