A link to the application will appear on this page on November 15. If you’re interested in submitting an application, please fill out our Interest Form below to be notified when the application opens, or you can check back on or after November 15. There is no fee to apply, and Junior League of New Orleans membership is not required.
According to the National Women’s Council Annual Report and Wells Fargo’s Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report, women-owned businesses account for 39.2% of all U.S businesses. Yet, persistent gaps in access to capital, mentorship, and visibility continue to limit how far these businesses can grow.
The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) is working to change that.
Since 2016, the Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) has actively bridged these gaps through its signature Woman Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship, a year-long program that provides one local female founder with funding, mentorship, professional services, visibility, and access to a network of business and community leaders.
The fellowship components listed below reflect recent and anticipated support offerings. Final components for the 2027 Fellowship will be confirmed prior to finalist selection and may vary slightly based on sponsor participation.
Funding & Professional Services
Business Development & Visibility
Leadership, Mentorship & Community
The Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship is designed for early-stage, women-owned businesses preparing for sustainable growth. Applicants should review the eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
The business owner should be:
The business may be in any industry and should:
The selected WE Fellow should also reflect JLNO’s values by embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and community impact.
Nonprofit organizations, subsidiaries, or franchise businesses are not eligible. Nonprofit organizations can learn more about JLNO’s Community Assistance Fund opportunity HERE.
Applications are free and open to all. No Junior League of New Orleans membership required. Please fill out our Interest Form to be notified when the next application opens.
Finalists chosen by the WE Fellowship Selection Committee will deliver a 5-minute presentation at the public Pitch Competition on Wednesday, April 14, 2027. Prior to the event, each finalist will have a one-on-one coaching session with an expert advisor from Trepwise to help craft her presentation.
Finalists will present their businesses at Junior League of New Orleans Headquarters before a distinguished panel of judges committed to supporting and strengthening the Greater New Orleans community, as well as a live audience. Based on the finalists’ pitches, audience members will vote to select an Audience Favorite, while the judging panel will select the Woman Entrepreneur Fellow. This Pitch Competition on Wednesday, April 14, 2027.
Coco Howe | Kit’s Footwear
Laura Fenner | Chateau Sew & Sew
Kaitlin Guerin | Lagniappe Bakehouse
Artemis Antippas | Greek Girls Rice Pudding
Invest in local female entrepreneurs and position your brand as a champion of economic growth in New Orleans.
Sponsoring the WE Fellowship goes beyond a financial contribution; it is an investment in a local woman’s vision and the economic future of New Orleans. Join our community of leaders and help us provide the vital backing these early-stage founders need to thrive.
To learn more about sponsorship levels and how funds are used HERE.
The Junior League of New Orleans is grateful to the businesses and organizations whose financial contributions, professional services, expertise, and in-kind support have helped strengthen the Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship and the entrepreneurs it serves.
