(9:00-9:50 AM, 10:00-10:50 AM, 11:00-11:50 AM & 12:00-12:50 PM)
DETAILS:
Margrett Magee, Business Services Manager from the City of New Orleans Office of Economic Development, will hold virtual office hours to provide assistance to entrepreneurs and business owners. Register for a meeting for support with processing your building, business, and event permit applications. Google Meets meeting information will be sent upon registration.
DBE Workshop: Bidding on Projects through SAM.gov and Finding Opportunities through Grants.gov
This month’s workshop, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, will provide Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise firms introductory guidance on finding and bidding on Federal contract and grant opportunities through the System for Award Management and Grants.gov.
If you are considering going into business, it's important to understand the variety of funding options that are available to you. As your trusted franchise experts, our goal is to provide knowledge, answer your questions, and to help you make a confident decision on the funding source that best fits your needs.
Our top funding partner, Benetrends, will also be on hand to share industry trends and insights on the many different ways to fund nearly any type of business.
If you're interested in learning more, but can’t make the live event, that's ok! Register anyway and we’ll send you a link to the recorded presentation after the event.
Per R.S. 40:1379(O), any property owner, lessee, or other lawful custodian can prohibit or restrict access of persons carrying a firearm onto said property. Accordingly, private business owners have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises and can do so by posting a sign to that effect.
The New Orleans Health Department has free laminated “Firearm Free” Business signs on hand, and has a form where businesses can easily sign up to receive signage and select a time for delivery by NOHD staff: Interested businesses should fill out this survey:
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 classbeginning in January 2025.Apply before October 11, 2024. It only takes 7 minutes to apply.
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.
Come out and connect with local business owners, professionals, and community leaders over delicious food and curated libations. This event will provide ample networking opportunities, showcasing our program portfolio and sharing the impact we've made within the community. Whether you're looking to build new connections, learn more about our initiatives, or simply enjoy an inspiring evening with like-minded individuals, this mixer is the perfect chance to celebrate progress and forge new relationships!
Join Fund17 in delighting in provisions and drinks from the culinary geniuses and mixologists from FRIENDS OF CODEY'S NOLA!
Be sure to register for the event, LINK HERE! Spaces are limited and will fill up fast. We hope to see you there. ______________________________________________________________________
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.
• October 22, 2024 - What is a DBE webinar • October 31, 2024 - DBE Boot Camp at Propeller
• November 12, 2024 - DBE Panel Presentation at RTA • December 12, 2024 - CertiFest at Propeller _____________________________________________________________________
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.
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.
Apply today to become a part of the She’s Connected by AT&T community and for a chance to win $50,000 for your small business, along with the full support of the She’s Connected by AT&T platform.
One Grand Prize winner will receive:
* $50,000 to go towards their small business
* One full year of AT&T service with a brand new device
Solar for All NOLA is a City led program aimed at increasing awareness and access to affordable solar and battery storage options for all residents of New Orleans.
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.
Join virtually on October 16 and October 23, 2024, for the SBA Cyber Summit, your premier destination for mastering cybersecurity in the small business landscape. This invaluable event is completely free to register and attend!
Discover cutting-edge strategies and solutions from a diverse lineup of experts, including top cybersecurity specialists, business coaches, peer entrepreneurs, Federal and state program managers, and leading corporate technologists. Gain actionable insights, practical advice, and hands-on guidance tailored to the unique needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Don't miss this opportunity to secure your business's future and connect with industry leaders who can help you navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. Reserve your spot today and empower your business with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a digital age!
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.
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.
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.
Register for SCORE's free live webinars available to all business owners nationwide. Presented by SCORE mentors and other industry experts, these sessions will help you understand how to start, manage, grow or successfully exit your business.
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.
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.
This guide will walk you through the different types of business licenses and permits you may need, the different government agencies that issue them, and best practices for the application process.
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 thisstep-by-step startup checklist.
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.
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 2025 Forrest E. Mars, Jr. Chocolate History Grant celebrates projects that explore chocolate's cultural and historical significance, supporting research, publications, and immersive experiences. A minimum of $50,000 will be awarded, with recipients announced at the Heritage Chocolate Society meeting in February 2025. Applications are due by October 26.
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.
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.
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship Program provides 50 female entrepreneurs a yearlong opportunity to accelerate growth through workshops, mentorship, and financial support, including a $5,000 business education grant. The program concludes with a company presentation, where fellows showcase their progress and receive expert feedback. Applications close on November 1, and the fellowship begins in the summer of 2025.
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.
TheSheaMoisture 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 forAAPI-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 foundhere.
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.
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
