Water Challenge 2022 Presented by Greater New Orleans Foundation Application


Application Information

Applications to The Water Challenge by Propeller and Thrive New Orleans, sponsored by JP Morgan Chase Advancing Cities Collaborative, New Orleans Business Alliance, and City of New Orleans, and The Water Collaborative are now open to growth entrepreneurs with inclusive strategies to improve the way our region lives with water. The Water Challenge 2023 will be held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week on Thursday, March 30th, 2023 at Gallier Hall in New Orleans.


Please Note:

1) All applications must be submitted here.
2) Application responses will not be saved prior to submission, so we strongly recommend drafting answers offline then copying and pasting when you are ready to submit.


Criteria:

We're seeking growth stage entrepreneurs currently with a track record of success in the green infrastructure and coastal industries, bringing inclusive solutions to water management and the urban water economy. We select entrepreneurs based on four main criteria:


  1. Track record of success with water projects and social/environmental impact. The company must demonstrate track record of success in reducing disparities for communities in Louisiana and address a significant water-based environmental challenge;
  2. Financial Sustainability. Companies demonstrate a viable and sustainable revenue streams;
  3. Commitment to Racial Equity and Inclusion. Applicants should have a demonstrated commitment to racial equity and inclusion.  
  4. Commitment to present a professional PPT presentation during the Water Challenge showcase event and attend dress rehearsals. If selected, companies will receive a $1,500 stipend from Propeller for any related presentation costs
  5. Entrepreneurial Leadership. Applications should demonstrate that your team has the background, skillsets, and mindset to reach your business goals. Entrepreneurial leadership can be demonstrated via: 
  • Educational, professional or life experience;
  • Proven track record starting, leading, or operating an initiative, program, or past venture;
  • Demonstrated experience in your field of work;
  • Ability to connect to, engage with, and serve communities of Louisiana most impacted by disparities.

Special consideration will be given to entrepreneurs working in alignment with local and state plans for water management.

Application Deadline is Monday, December 19 (11:59pm CST).
Questions? Contact Strategic Program Manager, Damian Clark, dclark@gopropeller.org or Adele London, Director of Community Development, alondon@gopropeller.org


Primary Applicant

Primary Applicant




Phone number

(ex: myname@example.com)



Team Member 2









Team Member 3








Team Member 4







Team Member 5









Structure & Operations

Corporation: A form of business operation that declares the business as a separate, legal entity guided by a group of officers known as the board of directors. Foundation: A nongovernmental, nonprofit organization having a principal fund managed by its own trustees or directors. Private foundations maintain or aid charitable, educational, religious, or other activities serving the public good, primarily through the making of grants to other nonprofit organizations. Government Agency: A government or state agency, often an appointed commission, is a permanent or semi-permanent organization in the machinery of government that is responsible for the oversight and administration of specific functions. Limited Liability Company (LLC): A corporate structure whereby the members of the company cannot be held personally liable for the company's debts or liabilities. Limited liability companies are essentially hybrid entities that combine the characteristics of a corporation and a partnership or sole proprietorship. Non-profit: A public charity often deriving their funding or support primarily from the general public, receiving grants from individuals, government, and private foundations. Although some public charities engage in grantmaking activities, most conduct direct service or other tax-exempt activities. Other: Any business structure not listed here. Partnership: A legal form of business operation between two or more individuals who share management and profits. Can be a General or Limited Partnership. Sole Proprietorship: An unincorporated business with a single owner who pays personal income tax on profits earned from the business. Also known as a sole trader or a proprietorship. Hybrid (Low-profit limited liability company - L3C): A type of limited liability partnership (LLP), which operates to “significantly further the accomplishment of one or more charitable or educational purposes". Unlike a non-profit charitable organization, L3Cs may make a small profit, as long as that is the secondary goal of the organization. Benefit Corporation: A for-profit corporate entity that includes a social impact in addition to profit as its legally defined goals. This is a very specific legal status that is only available in 31 states.




Example: Through landscape architecture design and installation, my business slows and stores stormwater before it reaches the drainage system.




Application Narrative
Please answer the following questions in reference specifically to the business, initiative, product, or service line that you are pitching at Water Challenge.