NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) 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
“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.”
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 days, Loyola’s uptown campus will have 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.”
“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.”
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, Nov. 21, at 11:59 p.m. CT and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected participants will be notified no later than Dec. 19. Follow @hellonoew on social media for the latest news and updates.