New Orleans Entrepreneur Week Announces 2026 Dates

New Orleans, LA — New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW), the city-wide celebration of New Orleans’ entrepreneurial ecosystem, will return for its 15th year Monday, March 9 – Saturday, March 14, 2026. Produced by The Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development (CECD) at Loyola University’s College of Business, NOEW will once again bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors and students for a week of learning and connection. Although registration is required to attend, NOEW remains a free event.  Sign up here for NOEW 2026 updates

As a long-time leader in education and innovation, Loyola University New Orleans and its CECD will leverage an extensive network to create dynamic programming for entrepreneurs at all levels. “NOEW 2026 will emphasize action in addition to inspiration,” said Bobby Savoie, Dean of the Loyola College of Business. “Our 2026 Programming is designed to deliver tangible skills, resources and connections that entrepreneurs can apply directly to their ventures,” he said.

NOEW is now accepting applications for speakers and program sessions to take place on Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13 when Loyola University will welcome attendees on campus for the annual NOEW Summit. Over two immersive days, Loyola’s uptown campus will become a festival of ideas with multiple stages hosting keynotes and panels, interactive sessions, hands-on workshops and high-value networking.

“We’re seeking actionable, inclusive, high-energy sessions that help our founders start, scale and connect,” said Sam McCabe, Director of the CECD at Loyola. “If you have an idea for a session or think you would be a good speaker on a particular topic, please complete the NOEW Speaker Application.  Suggestions for panels, workshops or solo talks are welcome,” he said.

“Since NOEW is a platform for innovation and education,” said McCabe, “we prioritize clear founder takeaways, fresh points of view and alignment with the categories and themes of NOEW 2026,” he said. NOEW 20206 themes are: 

• Founder Journey/Inspiration
  At the heart of NOEW are the real stories of entrepreneurs - their breakthroughs, setbacks, pivots, and moments of resilience. Attendees leave inspired by what it truly takes to build, scale and sustain a business.
   
• Sector Spotlights
  This theme explores how Louisiana’s most dynamic industries are evolving. From hospitality and health to energy, culture, and climate innovation, founders and experts highlight the ideas, technologies and collaborations redefining the Gulf South economy — and how entrepreneurs can lead that transformation.

• Execution & Tactics
  Founders want more than inspiration—they need practical skills. This theme delivers tactical strategies for building and scaling businesses, from hiring and culture to operations, marketing and technology. It focuses on actionable insights, tools and playbooks entrepreneurs can take home and implement immediately.

• Future Forward
  Where is entrepreneurship headed next? This theme examines the trends and technologies shaping the next decade, from AI and digital ethics to creative industries and global market shifts. Future Forward sessions challenge founders to think bigger, experiment boldly and imagine what’s possible for New Orleans and beyond.

Applications can be submitted via www.noew.org are due by Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM CT and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected participants will be notified no later than December 19, 2025. Follow @hellonoew on social media for the latest news and updates.

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New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) is the Gulf South’s premier celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth. NOEW convenes thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, students, and community leaders across venues throughout New Orleans. The week culminates in the two-day NOEW Summit at Loyola University (March 12–13), featuring interactive programming designed to empower and connect entrepreneurs through real founder stories, hands-on workshops, cultural activations, and high-impact networking. www.noew.org
 

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development (CECD) is Loyola University New Orleans’ award-winning hub for entrepreneurial activity across campus and a vital link to the New Orleans entrepreneurial community. At the CECD, students and community members alike can develop their skills to turn ideas into profitable ventures, network with the next great startup founders, and experience why New Orleans is ranked one of the best cities in the country for young entrepreneurs. www.startup.loyno.edu