Carver Darden Koretzky Tessier Finn Blossman & Areaux LLC is pleased to announce the firm's annual involvement in the JEDCO Challenge. The 2019 JEDCO Challenge marks the 5th consecutive year the firm has participated in the event. The Challenge, co-sponsored by Carver Darden, is a pitch competition to highlight entrepreneurs and businesses with ties to Jefferson Parish. Raymond G. Areaux, founding partner of the Firm and head of the Intellectual Property Practice Group will once again serve on the semi-final judging panel for the competition. You can see the JEDCO Challenge here.
The JEDCO Challenge is currently accepting applications for the startup pitch event for early stage ventures with ties to Jefferson Parish. The deadline to apply for the 2019 JEDCO Challenge is April 2, 2019.
Annually, JEDCO chooses a number of startup companies to compete for a chance to win $20,000 in direct capital and additional in-kind services to support their business growth. The Challenge is seeking entrepreneurs with unique ideas that have the high potential to grow and positively impact Jefferson Parish.
Entrepreneurs are urged to apply for the challenge on JEDCO's website. They must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Must live, work or have a strong presence in Jefferson Parish
- Must generate less than $500,000 in annual revenue
- Must have fewer than 5 employees
- Must be a for-profit company
- Must not have been a Top Five finalist in previous JEDCO Challenge competitions
As to Carver Darden's participation, the firm is pleased to once again provide a $15,000 package of in-kind Intellectual Property services from the IP Practice Group at the firm. The firm provides the 1st place winner a $10,000 package and $5,000 to the 2nd place winner.
Ray Areaux stated that, "support for this type of program is an important driver of our entrepreneurial eco-system and is a key factor in ensuring that the State of Louisiana supports innovation and has programs in place with strong incentives for growth and development of brilliant ideas."
