September 27, 2024

Click here to View Previously Recorded Business Information Sessions & Webinars

Click here to view the New Orleans Business Alliance Business Tool

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VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS

WHEN:

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Hear from Olympian and founder, Dominique Dawes

October 8th 11:30 AM CT

Register now for the Small Business Forum for a power-packed afternoon filled with insights and inspiration from some of the sharpest minds in business, including Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes! Tune in to discover how she took the leap from trailblazing gymnast to seasoned entrepreneur, plus advice from industry experts on how to:

💡 Discover and leverage your business strengths

💡 Cultivate an authentic, engaging voice across your social and email marketing

💡 Take advantage of the latest trends in small business, and more!

You’ll also get exclusive access to our livestreamed evening program, where we'll announce the prestigious CO—100 Top Businesses!

            ATTEND IN PERSON                                                         ATTEND ONLINE

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The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program wants to invite you to apply to our free 16 week leadership and growth accelerator program for small business owners where we show you how to grow your revenue and scale your business. Graduates from our program have been named by the SBA as 2023 and 2024 Small Business Persons of the Year for the State of Louisiana for 2 consecutive years in a row. This program springboards businesses to the next level. Let us help you to grow your business at no-cost to you. 

Below is more information about the program. (short video).

We hope that you consider applying for the next class beginning in January 2025. Apply before October 11, 2024.  It only takes 7 minutes to apply.

SCHEDULE            ELIGIBILITY            APPLY

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Develop and refine business strategies

LED’s Diversity in Entrepreneurship Initiative, delivered in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, aims to accelerate business growth for minority-and woman-owned companies in Louisiana. With the unique challenges minority-and woman-owned entrepreneurs face, program participants will be able to identify what scaling means for both their companies and their communities. They will then move on to develop and refine their business strategy and will be connected to the right tools and expertise to execute the strategy.

Virtual kickoff retreat workshop to help develop and refine an overall growth strategy, identify strengths and weaknesses and establish commitment goals. A unique peer-learning opportunity that allows participants to discuss pressing issues in a confidential environment. Business intelligence related to specific internal or external growth challenges via a team of highly skilled specialist.

Eligibility

In order to be considered for participation in the Diversity in Entrepreneurship Initiative, a business should meet the criteria described below.

• Company Location – The company must have its principal place of business in Louisiana.
• Annual Revenue – The company should have annual revenue between $600,000 and $50,000,000.
• Employees – The company should employ at least five but not more than 100 employees.
• External Markets – The company should deliver products or services to customers outside their local market or demonstrate the capacity and desire to do so.
• Lawful Function – The company must be organized for profit to perform a lawful, commercially useful function.
• Growth – Additional consideration will be given to companies that can demonstrate past and potential growth.
• Participant Profile – Participants must be a CEO, business owner or key decision maker in the company.

Applicants are not guaranteed acceptance due to high demand and limited capacity.

APPLY NOW

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Be the Boss Accelerator (BtB) is a 6 week program where Fund 17 partners with trepwise to provide one-on-one business coaching and bi-weekly educational workshops for entrepreneurs who are ready to operate their business full-time and/or hire their first employee or contractor.  The goal of BtB is for entrepreneurs to:

• Learn how to effectively build and manage a team, starting with your own role.
• Understand what it takes to grow your business's capacity through the use of tools, systems, and/or additional contractors/employees.
• Make connections to other entrepreneurs who have achieved accomplishments and overcome challenges similar to yours.
• Create a focused plan for the next 1-3 years based on your personal and business goals.

Applicants should be prepared to spend 10-15 hours per week on the program, including sessions with your trepwise coach and workshops. This program runs from September to November and requires a $75 non-refundable program deposit. The ideal candidate for the program:

• Earn between $40-150k in annual revenue
• Operating a for-profit & nonprofit business 
• Have a business registration and bank account
• Regularly spend at least 20 hours per week working on their business
• Prepared to take their business full time in the next 6 months (or operating full-time already)

If you aren't sure you meet these criteria, we encourage you to submit the application anyway as we consider each application on a case-by-case basis.

LEARN MORE

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NORA Launches Early Childhood Education (ECE) Facilities Grant Program Application to Expand Early Childhood Education Centers

The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), in partnership with Agenda for Children (Agenda), is excited to announce the launch of the application process for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Facilities Grant Program. This initiative represents a significant advancement in enhancing and expanding early childhood education facilities, ensuring greater access to quality education for children ages 0-3 in neighborhoods across the city.

The ECE Facilities Grant Program will provide forgivable grants that will help existing ECE facilities expand and help providers build new centers across New Orleans. The program has $3.1 million available to eligible applicants to support facility design, construction, and business development.

Organizations and individuals interested in applying for the ECE Facilities Grant Program are encouraged to click the button below for more information on eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and program guidelines.  The initial application deadline is October 4, 2024.

LEARN MORE

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This training will provide you with a better understanding of how to approach branding, maximize the company’s online presence, how to leverage the customer buying process to increase sales, and strategies to improve customer service that will impact the bottom line. 12 hours course - 4 workshops Series 1: Branding 101 (3 hours) Series 2 Leveraging your customer buying process to increase sales (3 hours) Series 4 How to increase sales and retain customers by improving customer service (3 hours).

LEARN MORE

This program is an eight (8) week business training program designed to improve the organizational and financial capacity of diverse business enterprises who are vendors and business customers of Cox Communications. Modules will be delivered in both a traditional face-to-face and online learning environment.

Learn how to: 

• Improve organizational performance for sustainable growth
• Enhance your ability to negotiate deals, manage conflicts, and make decisions
• Improve business communication and high performance team development
• Accurately price products and services, and estimate project costs
• Level up your overall business performance and profitability
• Meet or exceed customer expectations

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will earn three (3) Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Requirements to Participate in Program

• Must be an existing business with an FEIN 
• Priority selection will be given to diverse business owners - Woman Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran Owned Business (VOB), and LGBT Owned Business Enterprise (LGBTBE)

The program is open to all Cox suppliers and to non-suppliers, but requests from suppliers will be prioritized. Cox will award scholarships to 30 accepted participants to attend free of charge. Participants who complete the program will earn continuing education units.

For more information, email sbc@dcc.edu.

APPLY NOW

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REGISTER

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B.Alert, StayLocal's Disaster Response Communication System

StayLocal, Greater New Orleans’ independent business alliance, is the host of a new Disaster Response Communication System for local business owners. Called B.Alert, the system sends messages to subscribers only as necessary to facilitate our community’s recovery after a hurricane has taken place. Sign up is simple and is open now at staylocal.org/drcs-welcome.

The two-way text communication system provides essential information on available resources and support to local business owners in the aftermath of a hurricane.

The communication system will also enable businesses to share information to the public in the immediate aftermath of a major weather event about their status, including temporarily revised hours of operation and payment systems, as well as goods and services they can provide. 

Businesses intent on staying connected during this and future hurricane seasons should join the more than 400 business owner subscribers to B.Alert by completing the form on this page: staylocal.org/drcs-welcome

B.Alert is made possible with the support of Urban Conservancy and the Weishaupt Family Foundation.

For more information, please call 504-252-1259.

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       Learn More                                 Learn More                                   Learn More

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Make Tea Breaks Happen! Apply for a Pure Leaf Tea Break Grant Today

The Pure Leaf Tea Break Grants Program funds ideas that foster healthier workplace culture and norms. Ideas can be new or already underway, can come from HR, C-level, or the frontline--as long as they improve employee well-being through culture change. Winning ideas will serve as models for other employers who prioritize the well-being of their people through an effective break culture solution.

LEARN MORE

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Small Business Owners, now is your time!

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

LEARN MORE

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New Construction Code Compliance

In July 2023, the State of Louisiana adopted an advanced building energy code. In order to help commercial building owners meet this new code, Energy Smart is offering financial incentives for the installation of high efficiency equipment through the Energy Smart New Construction Code Compliance offering.

Project eligibility

• New building/ground-up
• Addition or expansion of an existing
• Gut rehabs that include replacement of all electrical systems, including HVAC, lighting or process
• “Warm Shell” projects, where the building envelope, central mechanical system and core lighting systems are included in the design and construction, but future buildout work or tenant improvements are permitted separately.

Incentive offerings

Prescriptive incentives: Measures with deemed energy efficiency savings and incentives.

Custom incentives: Available for all other measures and requires calculated energy savings analysis.

Whole building performance incentive: Available for projects that perform energy modeling, resulting in holistic design and construction energy efficiency improvements.

Interior and exterior lighting incentives: Based on the proposed system’s lighting power density compared to the maximum wattage allowed by code. The Energy Smart New Construction offering provides incentives for qualifying projects to adopt and implement energy-efficient design and construction that goes beyond the design baseline. In order to qualify, applications must be submitted during the design phase of the new construction project. Annual Customer Incentive Cap of $600,000 across all projects and customer accounts.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

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Federal Contracting:

8(a) Business Development Program

The SBA is pleased to provide you with information on the application process for certification in the 8(a) Business Development Program. The program provides eligible firms with greater access to the resources they need to grow and develop their businesses. This, in turn, improves their ability to compete on an equal footing with other firms in the mainstream American economy.

The Louisiana District Office holds a virtual 8(a) informational workshop on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 10:00 A.M. This workshop is approximately a 1-hour session.

This session provides information on the eligibility, application process and reporting requirements for the 8(a) BD program. Additional information is presented on other government contracting programs with the SBA.

To register for this session please contact Gail Brogan at gail.brogan@sba.gov. For additional information please call 504-589-6688.

This session is at NO COST.

SBA BIDSPEED:

View the full training schedule at https://fedbidspeed.com/sba-grant/  

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Louisiana Business Incentives

               LEARN MORE                                                    LEARN MORE

Music Job Creation Program

A 10% or 15% credit on annual wages to qualified music industry-related companies (QMC) that create a minimum of three well-paid net new jobs for Louisiana residents.

LEARN MORE

Louisiana Quality Jobs Rebate

The Quality Jobs (QJ) program provides a cash rebate to companies that create well-paid jobs and promote economic development in Louisiana: Up to a 6% rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years and either a state sales/use tax rebate on capital expense or a 1.5% project facility expense rebate for qualifying expenses.

Click here to get more information.

Additional LED Programs

Louisiana Business Incentives

Small Business Programs

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                  REGISTER                                                         REGISTER  

SIGN UP FOR SCORE WEBINARS

FIND MY SCORE BUSINESS MENTOR

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Business Plan

REGISTER

REGISTER

Click here to find other events

Click here for Online Request for Counseling

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THREE $10,000 grants for every month. And THREE $25,000 winners at the end of 2024.

How do you win one of these three grants?

Answer 2 questions

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The Office of Cultural Economy

Film New Orleans

Film New Orleans is the official permitting agency for filming in the city. If you plan to film in Orleans Parish, please go to www.filmneworleans.org to learn more and to submit an application.

If you’re interested in working on film productions as a crew member, Film New Orleans in partnership with IATSE 478 sponsors Workforce Training Programs with NOVAC. Head to novacvideo.org to sign up for remote lectures, seminars, and workshops dedicated to teaching the art of filmmaking.

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New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund

The mission of the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) is to support cultural industries and culture bearers of the City of New Orleans through partnerships, grants, and programs to advance sustainable tourism.

Individuals and organizations who align with this mission may be eligible for funding.

Visit notcf.com for more info.

If you have further questions, please email grants@nocsf.org.

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America's Seed Fund help startups navigate the earliest stages of technology translation.

The following information is provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1615 H Street, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20062

Every Little Step To Starting Your Own Business

Ready to get your new business up and running? Lay out your business plan and create the momentum you need to make that first sale using this step-by-step startup checklist.

Ready to Grow Your Business? 4 Key Steps to Business Expansion

Expanding your business can mean taking on risk as well as some trial and error. Here’s where to start.

6 AI Tools to Streamline Your Grant Application Process

These AI-powered tools take the guesswork out of grant writing and help small businesses put their best foot forward when applying for specialized funding.

GRANTS & AWARDS

• 21 Small-Business Grants for Veterans, Plus Resources.
• 39 Small-Business Grants for Minority Entrepreneurs, Plus Resources.
• 46 Small-Business Grants for Women.
• Grants for Nonprofits: How to Get Free Funding in 2024.
• The DoorDash Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund offers $10,000 grants to help restaurants recover from natural disasters, severe weather, or major infrastructure failures. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based restaurants, gastropubs, or bakeries with brick-and-mortar locations that have experienced revenue loss due to a declared disaster within the past 12 months. Applications are accepted quarterly, with fall applications open through December 2.
• The Live Your Dream Awards offers grants of up to $16,000 in financial support to help women overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational and career goals. Applications for this cycle are accepted through November 15.
• The Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program provided by Walmart and Sam’s Club offers grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to address the unique needs of local communities. Grant applications are accepted quarterly, with the current round open through October 15.
• The TRANSFORM Business Grant provides $1,000 microgrants and a tailored business development program to entrepreneurs from systemically marginalized communities. To qualify, applicants must be based in the U.S., show financial need, and focus on creating social impact by addressing systemic injustices. Applications will be accepted until September 30.
• The Boundless Futures Foundation awards grants to U.S.-based female entrepreneurs and nonprofits that support female entrepreneurship, offering up to $25,000. Nonprofits that support female entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, or financing can request up to $30,000 in grant funding through the Her Village Grant. EmpowHer Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis, while the deadline for the Her Village Grant is October 1.
• The Secretsos™ Small Business Grant offers $2,500 to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and accelerate growth. To apply, business owners must be 21+ and operate in eligible U.S. states. Applications are due by September 30.
• The Hawai'i FoundHer Business Accelerator offers capital and resources to women-founded businesses in Hawai’i, focusing on AAPI and Native Hawaiians who have historically been overlooked. If selected, participants must engage in regular mentorship meetings, complete surveys, and attend various program events. Applications are due by September 30.
• Backstage Capital supports underrepresented founders by investing in startups led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. They focus primarily on U.S.-based, scalable businesses with the potential for high growth. Investments typically range from $100,000 and up, predominantly targeting early-stage companies. Applications are reviewed regularly.
• Galaxy Grants is on a mission to support women and minority entrepreneurs with their small businesses by offering valuable resources, tools, funding, and knowledge. It is offering a $4,250 Galaxy Grant Giveaway with a quick 30-second entry process. The deadline to enter is September 30.
• Veteran business owners can compete for $50,000 in the 11th annual Veteran Shark Tank, held on December 9, 2024, in Philadelphia. To qualify, businesses must be less than three years old, and veterans must own at least 50% of their company, have a clean legal record, and use the prize money for business improvement. Applications, due by October 6, must include a brief video pitch and a PowerPoint presentation detailing the business plan.
• This summer, join the Tory Burch Foundation for its free business webinar program. Tune in for hour-long live and on-demand sessions as experts explore topics such as leading through challenging times, preparing business taxes, optimizing sales, and thought leadership. Register to gear up for a strong second half of the year, find new revenue streams, and more.
• Skip Instant Grants are accepted on a rolling basis, providing funding opportunities with shorter turnaround windows. Applicants are required to participate in Skip’s YouTube livestream during the selection process. Learn more about these ongoing funding opportunities by following Skip on social media
• Giving Joy grants, ranging from $250 to $500, are available to businesses in any sector and can be used to start or expand businesses, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, or community projects that focus on benefiting women, girls, and families. Applications now open.
• EmpowHer grants support women who need early-stage business capital, a network of business advisors, or both. Grantees will have access to financial, marketing, leadership, and sector professionals who can advise on business focus, next steps, and longer-range planning. As an entrepreneur, you’re not alone: our network is full of people who have been in your shoes.
• Her Village grants awarded to qualifying nonprofit organizations support work that advances and strengthens entrepreneurial skills, resources, ecosystems, and educational opportunities for girls and women. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $30,000. Our grantmaking to nonprofits is founded in the belief that, equipped with support, skills, and capital, female entrepreneurs can have a boundless impact in society.
• The Comcast Innovation Fund provides grants to support technology and research “for the betterment of the Internet.” Areas of interest for the 2024 grant year include open-source development, general and targeted research, and work that enhances the growth of the Internet. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds for 2024 are disbursed.
• The SheaMoisture Fund pledges to provide $1 million in direct funding annually to eligible Black-owned businesses in the U.S. through various different business development programs and  grants. With several programs available, applications are available on a rolling basis.
• The Accion Opportunity Fund grants small business loans ranging from $5,000-$250,000, along with educational resources, coaching, and support networks in both English and Spanish. This program offers mentorship programs, microloans, and a hubzone program for small business owners’ financial needs.
• GrantsForWomen.org is an online directory that provides a comprehensive database of grants for women globally, along with valuable advice on securing grants and information on relevant events and workshops for female business owners. 
• The Cartier Women's Initiative offers three award categories: regional; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and science and technology pioneer. Winners receive financial support, coaching, and peer learning opportunities, with the diversity, equity, and inclusion category open to all genders. Applications aren’t open yet, but aspiring entrepreneurs can prepare for the 2024 awards.
• Resources and funding opportunities for AAPI-owned businesses, including accelerator programs, grants for AAPI entrepreneurs, and networking groups.
• Funding options for LGBTQ+-owned businesses, including resource networks and organizations that offer grants to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and those from other underrepresented backgrounds.
• The HerRise MicroGrant offers financial aid to U.S.-registered businesses that are majority-owned by women of color, with a focus on businesses with innovative community solutions. Applications are reviewed monthly.
• The Incfile Entrepreneur Grant offers two $2,500 grant opportunities: the "Young Entrepreneur Scholarship Grant" for students with an interest in starting a business and the "Fresh Start Business Grant" for adults planning to start a new business or grow an existing one. Applicants for both grants must complete an online application, create a two-minute video, and a sample business plan.
• The Wish Local Empowerment Program assists Black-owned small businesses by dedicating a $2 million fund to support approximately 4,000 Wish Local partners. Recipients can receive financial assistance ranging from $500 to $2000, with flexibility in fund allocation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• The Freed Fellowship Grant offers a monthly $500 prize, business feedback, and a two-month free membership in the Freed Studio – a community of ambitious business owners – to qualifying business owners in the US. Applicants are also eligible for an end-of-year grant of $2,500. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• America’s Seed Fund, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), offers up to $2 million for U.S.-based startups and small businesses that are developing innovative technology. Project pitches are accepted on a rolling basis, and official responses from NSF typically take one month. ‌ 
• The TL Effect three-month accelerator program provides selected brands with grant access, office space, and mentorship. Cash grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to support the selected companies’ growth. Applicants must be women of color, including trans, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals. 
• The Awesome Foundation awards grants of $1,000 to individuals and groups looking to fund various projects. Though funding is not limited to businesses, startups and small businesses have been among the recipients of the monthly grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• The Small Business Digital Readiness Program helps small business owners succeed in a digital world with a free online curriculum and includes expert coaching, peer networking, and other resources. Registrants take two courses to be eligible for a $10K grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• More grant & program information can be found here.

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Resources

Browse videos, documents, templates and more to grow your business. 

This resource page (https://www.liftfund.com/resources/)  contains tools, downloads, videos, blogs and more. Look through our resource pages for key information on how to manage your business and access capital.

View Upcoming Events

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The Department of Safety and Permits

NEW ORLEANS — The Department of Safety and Permits has relocated from City Hall at 1300 Perdido St. (7th floor) to Orleans Tower at 1340 Poydras St. (Ste. 800). Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

• For updates on permits and code enforcement cases, visit One Stop at onestopapp.nola.gov
  • Enter address, case number, reference code or permit number
  • Once the applicable violation/permit appears, select Print Summary (printer not required)
• For permit inquiries, please email permitinfo@nola.gov and allow two business days for a response
• For Alcohol Beverage Outlet related inquiries, please email abo@nola.gov and allow two business days for a response
• To schedule an inspection related to a building permit, email inspections@nola.gov and allow two business days for a response
• For inquiries about Special Events, email eventpermits@nola.gov and allow two business days for a response

All code enforcement complaints about properties in violations should be emailed to codeenforcement@nola.gov. Additional code enforcement information can be found at nola.gov/code-enforcement.

General information about hearings can be found at OneStop - Adjudication - City of New Orleans (nola.gov). When a hearing is scheduled, the details including dates and time of a hearing can be found at OneStop - Adjudication - Hearings - City of New Orleans (nola.gov).

• For occupational license inquiries, email businesslicenseinfo@nola.gov and allow two business days for a response
  • To find additional business-related information, visit nola.gov/occupational-license/
• For Electrical and Mechanical Trade License inquiries, email tradelicenseinfo@nola.gov and allow two business days for a response
• For Short Term Rental inquiries, email str@nola.gov and allow two business days for a response
• For zoning inquiries, email zoningadministrator@nola.gov and allow two business days for a response.

• Short Term Rental 24 Hour Complaint Hotline (504) 788-2008

Constituents may also call (504) 658-7200 and select Option 2 during business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

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