Michael Karnjanaprakorn

The city of New Orleans is looking for the crazy ones. “The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.” Four local entrepreneurs created “Startup New Orleans” to attract more entrepreneurs. Due to the “clean slate” offered post-Katrina, New Orleans is going through a massive rebuilding process centered around innovation and fueled by entrepreneurs. This is evident in the movement that is currently going on.

According to Sean Cummings, a local developer and co-founder of Start Up New Orleans, “New Orleans has always been a beacon for people with imagination, daring, and alternative approaches to solving problems. Our mission is to attract these types of people to New Orleans, and provide them with the information and resources they need to start their businesses here.”

“Silicon Valley became the nerve center for technology in the U.S. because of the investment businesses in the region made in attracting and retaining technology people,” said Nic Perkin, also a co-founder of Start Up New Orleans and president of the New Orleans Exchange, a new technology start-up. “The same can be said for New York City with financial people. What we’re doing here in New Orleans is making this the city of choice for entrepreneurs. If you’re smart, motivated and have a track record of success, we want you here.”

Check out the website at startupneworleans.com. Some of our favorite blocks include NOCCA, NOLAYURP and Trumpet. And, oh yeah, alldaybuffet! Read more about the initiative here.

- cross posted at alldaybuffet.org -