Congratulations to the 2026 Catapult Fund Graduates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

NEW ORLEANS (April 13, 2026) – The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is thrilled to announce the graduates of the 2026 Catapult Fund program. Over a three-month period, five bright and enthusiastic Louisiana-based culinary entrepreneurs participated in a series of training sessions covering marketing, sustainability strategies, cybersecurity, accounting, and more to support their business development. In a final pitch presentation for a panel of judges, including accomplished entrepreneurs, festival production specialists, business professionals, and more, graduates showcased strategic plans to elevate their brands through additional resources. First-, second-, and third-place prizes were awarded, and each graduate received funds to support their endeavors.

Since the program’s inception, more than 25 small business owners from across Louisiana have graduated, earning grants totaling over $166,000.

2026 Culinary Arts Graduates

2026 Culinary Arts graduates include (from left to right) Jose Blanco of Waska NOLA, Sherman Bunch of NeauxLA RolLA, Helena Carter of Taste of Louisiana Utah (TOL U), Desirae Decoux-Stevens of D’Absolute Foodie, and Chance Stokes of Patio 17 Daiquiri & Grill. Jose Blanco of Waska NOLA was awarded first place in the Catapult pitch competition. Sherman Bunch of NeauxLA RolLA took home second place, followed by Helena Carter of Taste of Louisiana Utah (TOL U) in third.

The Catapult Fund is a partnership between the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Capital One Bank, and the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, with additional support from Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

ABOUT THE CATAPULT FUND

The 2026 Catapult Fund is a partnership between the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, and Capital One Bank. This dynamic, interactive training is designed to help entrepreneurs identify and pursue growth opportunities to take their businesses to the next level of success and provides weekly virtual sessions that include actionable steps to improve business performance. Topics are designed to provide the information and skillsets to survive and thrive in the evolving marketing and economic environment. Each participant will be matched with a business advisor who will provide additional guidance, assistance, and encouragement during and beyond the program at no charge.

ABOUT THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND HERITAGE FOUNDATION

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation uses proceeds generated by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell and additional funds for year-round programs in education, economic development, and cultural enrichment, including initiatives like the Don “Moose” Jamison Heritage School of Music, Congo Square Lecture Series, Class Got Brass, youth workshops, grants, music industry workshops, and festivals such as the Crescent City Blues & BBQ, Tremé Creole Gumbo, Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco and Congo Square Rhythms. These free programs aim to support Louisiana’s cultural community and are complemented by assets like Jazz & Heritage radio station WWOZ 90.7 FM, the Jazz & Heritage Archive, and the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center. For more information, visit www.jazzandheritage.org.