IDEAcorps MBA Consulting Challenge

This is not your typical case competition.

The IDEAcorps MBA Consulting Challenge, hosted by the Center and in partnership with The Idea Village, gives MBA students the opportunity to work with a real startup to solve a problem the founding entrepreneur is facing. Teams work intensively to scope the problem, validate a solution, and give the entrepreneur a plan that can have real-world results and impact. 

The IDEAcorps MBA Consulting Challenge is a nationally recognized experiential learning program that supports the success and growth of local startup businesses in New Orleans. Loyola has partnered with the Idea Village to implement this transformative contest since 2009. MBA teams from colleges and  universities across the country are invited to join Loyola MBA students as consultants to New Orleans innovative startups. The team that provides their client-startup company with a strategy that has the greatest potential growth impact wins a prestigious dollar prize and the title of IDEAcorps Champion.

The MBA teams are introduced to their client-startup in Fall of 2022 and work with them virtually until January 2023. In January, all the teams come to New Orleans for five days, where they will meet face-to-face with their client companies to complete their proposal and presentation.

While the teams are here, they'll be shown what the city has to offer (and why New Orleans is one of the best places for startups), with the opportunity to meet employers and experience great dining and entertainment. The program culminates in a pitch competition with the winning team gaining a dollar prize and the winning company gaining complementary services.

Check back soon for dates and more info about this year's upcoming IDEAcorp MBA Consulting Challenge!