(AVONDALE, LA) — The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO)is pleased to introduce the five early-stage companies scheduled to compete in the seventh annual JEDCO Challenge powered by Greater Lakeside Corporation. The JEDCO Challenge is a Jefferson Parish-based business pitch competition created to elevate opportunities for local startup companies. It has become a premier event for Jefferson Parish.

JEDCO received 35 applications from entrepreneurs with ties to Jefferson Parish this year. Through a rigorous review process, a selection committee of business leaders chose five companies to participate in the live pitch event at the Gretna Cultural Center for the Arts on the evening of May 14^th. The JEDCO Challenge features a diverse group of startup companies with backgrounds in a variety of industries tied to Jefferson Parish.

Don’t Get Mad Get Paid is changing how moms collect unpaid child support through their tech solution. The techplatform locates the absent parent, finds his income, assets (both real and personal) and then generates the state-specific legal documents necessary to place liens on and seize assets that have been found, allowing mom to collect faster and more efficiently. Don’t Get Mad Get Paid is looking to put a big dent in the $117 billion in unpaid child support that has been left on the table by millions of frustrated women across the country.

WEBSITE:https://dontgetmadgetpaid.com/

FACEBOOK:@simonerspence

INSTAGRAM: @simone_spence
TWITTER: @simonerspence

nDorse is a mobile and web based software application that allows co-workers and team members to provide real timepositive feedback based on fulfillment of one or more institutional core values. nDorseis easy to use and allows employees to give and receive meaningful feedback in a quick and efficient manner. It empowers individuals in the organization to recognize one another, transcending barriers of geography, time and hierarchy to create brand ambassadors. The technology provides valuable data and analytics to the organization, allowing company leadership to understand the positive benefits created through peer-to-peer recognition. nDorse documents these efforts and how they translate into employee satisfaction and turnover rates. The goal is to create a company culture that fosters positivity, compassion and cohesiveness.

WEBSITE:https://ndorse.net/

FACEBOOK:@nDorse

TWITTER:@ndorsellc

Poof Cotton Candy gave the classic confection the costume change it so desperately needed. The company’s gourmet, hand crafted flavors like King Cake, Cookies & Cream and Toasted Coconut are dressed with sprinkles, edible glitters and other delicious morsels like crumbled cookies. Poof’s single serving, 110-calorie pinwheels are perfect for wedding and party favors, client gifts, swag bag additions and an afternoon pick-me-up. Poof Cotton Candy is manufactured in Jefferson Parish.

WEBSITE: https://www.poofcottoncandy.com/

FACEBOOK: @poofcottoncandy

INSTAGRAM: @poofcottoncandy

TWITTER:@POOFcottoncandy

RentCheck provides security and serenity to renters and landlords alike with a standardized process ensuring lasting financial benefit. RentCheck can service 21 million independent landlords and small businesses who manage 95% of the rental market. We offer an app that saves money, time and prevents grief by standardizing move-in and move-out inspections and streamlining the security deposit deduction process. RentCheck was founded in 2018.

WEBSITE:https://getrentcheck.com/

FACEBOOK:@getrentcheck

INSTAGRAM: @getrentcheck

TWITTER:@rentcheckapp

RePurpose Food Company produces healthy baby food made from simple ingredients manufactured with rescued produce (i.e. perfectly good vegetables that don’t make it to the grocery stores because of excess amounts or because of the way they look). By using produce that would otherwise be discarded, RePurpose reduces food waste while making healthy food more accessible. The baby food is sold primarily through a subscription model, serving as a customizable meal plan delivery service for babies and their busy, health-conscious parents.  RePurpose works with community and nonprofit partners to manufacture and distribute the product to underserved communities, as well as to provide additional supplemental education.  Additionally, RePurpose reuses all packaging to lower the environmental impact of the product.

Each company will have just seven minutes to present a live pitch in front of a panel of Jefferson Parish business leaders. Entrepreneurs will be scored based upon the live pitch, a condensed business plan submitted in advance of the competition, and a crowd vote. JEDCO will give every person in the crowd an opportunity to choose their favorite startup after all five entrepreneurs have pitched. A number of points will be awarded to the crowd favorite, and then added to that company’s overall score. The entrepreneur who delivers the winning pitch will receive $20,000 in direct capital and additional in-kind services such as marketing, accounting, and legal assistance. A second place prize will be given to the runner-up as well.

JEDCO created the JEDCO Challenge in 2013 to identify, engage with, and assist up-and-coming innovators. The goal of the competition is to elevate opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the area through direct capital, business services, increased visibility and mentorship. Previous winners include Be Well Nutrition (ICONIC), PortaVision Medical, InnoGenomics Technologies, Bhoomi Cane Water, Chosen Diagnostics, and Instapath.

About Greater Lakeside Corporation: Jeffrey Feil, President & CEO of The Feil Organization, heads up Greater Lakeside Corporation and its subsidiaries. The Feil Organization is a family-owned real estate business with roots in New Orleans dating back nearly six decades. The company owns and manages a real estate portfolio with holdings in the Greater New Orleans Area, which has grown 69% over the past 13 years to include over 31 properties and 6.1 million square feet. Notable holdings include Lakeside Shopping Center, The Galleria, Carrollton Shopping Center and the Lakeway Center office complex. Other holdings include a diverse mix of office, retail, residential, and industrial properties. The Feil Organization has a regional office in Metairie, employing over 100 people. The office also manages real estate holdings in Chicago and Baton Rouge.