Whether we’re talking about economics, health, home ownership, personal income, or a host of other issues, we’re often quick to suggest we can relate every outcome to one word: education. But, like everything else, education is not as simple as it sounds.

If you’re a teacher or an administrator in the education system you’re forever looking for new and better ways to improve. One of those improved methods of education is provided by a local New Orleans company called Whetstone. Whetstone is an organizational platform for teachers that is in 1,000 schools across America, and in 6 countries.

 The CEO of Whetstone, Libby Fischer, is one of the most impressive people in New Orleans business.

Hassan Hassan is CEO of the education ideas and business incubator, 4.0 Schools. If you’re involved in education – you might be a teacher or even a student – and you have an idea for how something might be improved, you can take your germ of an idea to 4.0 Schools and people who know how to grow ideas into viable businesses will work with you to do just that. They’ll even make an investment in you and your idea, with actual cash.

Photos over lunch in the wine room at Commander’s Palace by Jill Lafleur.