In 2000, The Idea Village was formed by a group of New Orleans entrepreneurs who returned home energized by experiences in thriving communities across the United States. The founders determined that the key to creating positive economic and social change in New Orleans was to create a vibrant entrepreneurial community. The Idea Village formalized in 2002 as an independent 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization with a mission to identify, support and retain entrepreneurial talent in New Orleans by providing business resources to high-impact ventures. The Idea Village is organization whose attitude is best exemplified by our mantra: Trust Your Crazy Ideas. The Idea Village team supports high impact entrepreneurial talent by identifying growth challenges, setting goals, providing business strategy, marketing support and financial direction. In addition, The Idea Village provides access to development grants, talent and innovative work spaces. With a ten year track record and focused strategic plan, The Idea Village will support the start-up of new entrepreneurial ventures through The Idea Village Entrepreneur Challenge, build the entrepreneurial ecosystem through The IDEAbank and develop entrepreneurial talent through IDEAcorps.