Side Hustle Expo: Part pop-up shop. Part science fair. All hustle.
Your idea belongs here.
Every business starts with an idea. Some become side hustles. Others become careers. Wherever you're starting, Side Hustle Expo is designed to help you take the next step.
Hosted by Loyola's Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development (CECD), Side Hustle Expo is an annual celebration of students who are turning their passions into purpose and their ideas into action.
Whether you're selling products, offering services, creating art, building apps, baking cookies, designing clothing, producing music, or growing a business that's uniquely your own, this is your opportunity to share your hustle with the Loyola community.
Every year, Loyola students surprise us with businesses we never imagined, including software startups, creative studios, fashion brands, photographers, wellness companies, bakers, artists, and everything in between.
What will you bring? Sign up now to reserve your spot!
What you'll gain
Side Hustle Expo gives you the space to showcase your business and discover what happens when your idea meets the right community.
By participating, you'll:
- ✨ Build confidence by sharing your story and presenting your business.
- 🤝 Connect with customers, mentors, alumni, and fellow entrepreneurs who want to see you succeed.
- 📸 Get featured with an optional pre-Expo photo and video shoot that spotlights your hustle on CECD social media.
- 💡 Receive valuable feedback from experienced business leaders that can help take your venture to the next level.
- 🏆 Compete for $2,500 in scholarships to invest back into your business.
- 🌟 Become part of Loyola's entrepreneurial community and celebrate the creativity that makes our campus unique.
Whether you're launching your very first venture or growing an established business, you'll leave with greater confidence, stronger connections, and a clearer path forward.
Side Hustle Expo by the Numbers
- 🎉 6th edition celebrating student entrepreneurs
- 💰 $11,500+ awarded in scholarships and prizes
- 🚀 200+ student entrepreneurs have participated
- 🛍️ Thousands of interactions between students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the Loyola community
"Don't be afraid to show what you've got. The feedback you'll receive is worth it, and there's a real chance of winning, even with a niche idea."
— Justus Rippert, Global MBA Student, First Place Winner, Side Hustle Expo 5.0
How it works
1. Sign Up Here
Sign-ups are officially open for currently enrolled Loyola University New Orleans students from every college and every major. No business degree required!
If your idea earns (or could earn) income, we want to see it.
While you're on the form, opt in to the optional pre-Expo photo and video feature so we can spotlight your hustle before the big day.
2. We'll provide the board. You provide the story.
Every participant receives a complimentary tri-fold presentation board along with tips, coaching, and guidance for creating an engaging display.
Tell us who you are, what you do, why you started, and how people can support your business.
Bring products, samples, business cards, QR codes, portfolios, customer reviews, or examples of your work. The more people can experience your business, the better.
3. Showcase your hustle.
Meet customers. Share your story. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Receive feedback from alumni and community leaders. Compete for scholarship funding. Most importantly, celebrate everything you've built.
Where could your hustle take you?
Side Hustle Expo serves as a launchpad for many student ventures.
Participants have gone on to launch new ventures, grow their customer base, compete in Wolf Pack LaunchU, build lasting partnerships, and continue developing businesses long after graduation.
Where you start matters less than taking the first step, and CECD is here to help you move forward.
"Starting is the hardest part. Plan, execute, and keep moving forward, but don't wait for the 'perfect' time. Just start, and your people will find you."
— Karyse Gocoul '27, People's Choice Award Winner, Side Hustle Expo 5.0
Key Dates for Side Hustle Expo 6.0 (Fall 2026)
- 🚀 August 27: Sign-Ups OPEN
- ⏰ Friday, October 30, 4:00 PM: Sign-Ups CLOSE
- 📋 November 2–3: Participant Confirmations & Expectations Sent
- 🎨 November 4–5, 12:30–2:00 PM: Tri-Fold Board Pickup & Prep Coaching, Ideation Lab, Miller 111
- 🎉 Tuesday, November 17, 12:00–2:00 PM: SIDE HUSTLE EXPO 6.0! St. Charles Room, Danna Student Center
Ready to cheer on the hustlers? Come shop, meet the makers, and vote for your favorite in the People's Choice Award. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.
Ready to share your hustle?
Join a community that believes in your ideas, supports your growth, and helps turn ideas into meaningful action.
Click here to complete the Side Hustle Expo Sign-Up Form!
Stay connected with us! Follow @startup.loyno on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter to get CECD news and event updates sent directly to your inbox.
Questions? Contact the CECD Team:
Sam McCabe, Director | gsmccabe@loyno.edu
Farah Wells, Program Director | fmwells@loyno.edu
Megan Ihnen, Program Coordinator | mbihnen@loyno.edu
