WE Fellowship
Women-owned businesses make up less than half of all U.S. enterprises. Despite the outsized impact women entrepreneurs have on growth and innovation, only 39.2% are majority-owned by women, according to the 2024 National Women’s Council Report and the 2025 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report. Gaps in access to capital, mentorship, and visibility continue to limit how far many women-owned businesses can grow.
The Junior League of New Orleans is working to change that.
Since 2016, the Woman Entrepreneur (WE) Fellowship has been JLNO’s signature initiative supporting one female founder each year with financial backing, hands-on mentorship, and in-kind services designed to help early-stage businesses grow with intention.
This program is provides than funding. It’s a year-long investment in a founder’s vision, backed by a community of women leaders committed to helping you succeed.
The fellowship components listed below reflect recent and anticipated support offerings. Final components for the 2026 Fellowship will be confirmed prior to finalist selection and may vary slightly based on sponsor participation.
- ▪ Mentoring and support from Junior League of New Orleans members
- ▪ Cash grant provided by Fidelity Bank
- ▪ Accounting advisory services from Amanda Aguillard, CPA – Padgett Louisiana
- ▪ Legal services from Jones Walker
- ▪ Access to meeting space in Uptown New Orleans
- ▪ Tuition to JLNO’s Get on Board nonprofit board training program
- ▪ Business coaching and evaluation from experienced advisors
- ▪ Features in JLNO’s Lagniappe magazine and Inside New Orleans
- ▪ Branding photography package
- ▪ Opportunities to market to JLNO members
- ▪ One year of JLNO membership dues for eligible recipients
The Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship is designed for early-stage, women-owned businesses preparing for sustainable growth.
The business owner should be:
- ▻ A woman who is the majority stakeholder in the enterprise, or an equal (50/50) partner with a spouse or partner, and who manages daily operations
- ▻ Age 21 or older
- ▻ A legal resident of the United States
- ▻ Someone who has not been convicted of financial fraud or any financial crime
The business may be in any industry and should:
- ▻ Be formed under U.S. law and currently operating in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, or St. Charles Parish
- ▻ Have between 1 and 5 years of continuous operations
- ▻ Generate annual revenue greater than $0 and less than $750,000
- ▻ Be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau
- ▻ Be in good standing with the Secretary of State at the time of application and upload a screenshot confirming the filing
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.
Step 1 – Complete the WE Fellowship Application.
Submit the online application by Sunday, February 1, 2026. Applications are free, and applicants do not need to be JLNO members.
Step 2 – Prepare to Pitch
Finalists chosen by the WE Fellowship Selection Committee will deliver a 10-minute presentation at the public Pitch Competition on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Prior to the event, each finalist will meet with an expert advisor to help craft her presentation.
Step 3 – Live Pitch
Finalists will present their businesses on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Junior League of New Orleans Headquarters before a judging panel and live audience. A public vote will award an audience prize, and judges will select the Woman Entrepreneur Fellow.
Ready to Apply?
If you are a woman building something bold and ready for support that amplifies your impact, the 2026 Woman Entrepreneur Fellowship is your opportunity.
Applications are open through February 1, 2026.
WE Fellowship Recipients
Laura Fenner | Chateau Sew & Sew
Kaitlin Guerin | Lagniappe Bakehouse
Tamara White | Pillar Homecare
Sydni Raymond | Bomb Ass Fro
Atianna Cordova | Waterblock Kids
Lauren Meyerscough | Cocktails & Sons
Artemis Antippas | Greek Girls Rice Pudding
2025 Sponsors
