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 more than an annual showcase—it's a 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—from software startups and creative studios to fashion brands, photographers, wellness companies, bakers, artists, and everything in between.
What will you bring?
What you'll gain
Side Hustle Expo is about more than showcasing your business—it's about discovering what's possible 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.
💡 Receive valuable feedback from experienced business leaders that can help take your venture to the next level.
🏆 Compete for more than $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
- 🎉 6 years of celebrating student entrepreneurs
- 💰 $12,500+ awarded in scholarships
- 🚀 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
How it works
1. Apply
Applications open each August 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.
2. We'll provide the board. You provide the story.
Every participant receives a complimentary tri-fold presentation board along with tips 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.
And most importantly—celebrate everything you've built.
Where could your hustle take you?
For many students, Side Hustle Expo is just the beginning.
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.
No matter where you're starting, CECD is here to help you take the next step.
"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
Applications open each August.
Ready to share your hustle?
Join a community that believes in your ideas, supports your growth, and helps turn ideas into meaningful action.
Follow @startup.loyno or get updates sent to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter to be the first to know when applications open.
Questions? Contact
Sam McCabe
Director, Center for Entrepreneurship + Community Development
gsmccabe@loyno.edu
