Building Louisiana’s Entrepreneurial Future
Jan 09, 2025 11:10AM ● By Jen Gennaro
Zachary resident Na’Tisha Natt is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the organization. She’s also a 2024 founding member of the Zachary chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a service-based organization comprised of African American, college-educated women.
Nexus Louisiana is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting tech entrepreneurs in Louisiana. Based at the Nexus Louisiana Technology Park in Baton Rouge, the organization provides a comprehensive ecosystem for startups, offering access to coaching, capital, and the connections necessary for growth.
Nexus’s programs offer diverse opportunities for engagement. The Venture Capital Apprenticeship Program empowers students to invest in small businesses, giving them real, practical experience in applying finance and business-related skills. Ignition, an 8-week program for aspiring entrepreneurs, guides participants through the process of refining their business plans, testing their product, and pitching for a chance to receive up to $10,000 in investment to launch their businesses. The Girls Gigabytes and Gadgets (3G) event series is another standout initiative, designed to inspire and empower minority girls aged 12 to 16 to pursue careers in STEM. These are just a few of the impactful programs Nexus offers to support the next generation of tech leaders.
Beyond its programs, Nexus offers opportunities for membership at the Tech Park, where members gain access to collaborative workspaces, expert guidance, and potential funding opportunities. Individuals and organizations can also engage as mentors, sponsors, or partners, playing an active role in shaping Louisiana’s tech innovation landscape. Whether through sharing expertise, investing in startups, or sponsoring events, there are multiple pathways to make a meaningful impact.
Each spring, Nexus Louisiana hosts Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week (BREW), a marquee event for the entrepreneurial community. Attendees gain insights from industry leaders on topics like mastering the art of investor persuasion, leveraging influencer marketing, and learning from the co-founder of an app that sold to Apple for $400 million. BREW is a must-attend event for anyone looking to grow their entrepreneurial knowledge and network.

Porch & Parish is a proud media sponsor of BREW. Max & Jen Gennaro hosted a series of podcasts with panelists at BREW in 2024.