February 27, 2026

Click here to view Recorded Business Information Sessions & Webinars

Click here to view the zoning of New Orleans properties

Click here to view the One Stop App (permits, occupational license and more)

Click here to see how to Do Business with the City of New Orleans

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VIRTUAL OFFICE HOURS

WHEN:

March 12th & 26th

(10 am, 11 am, 12 pm & 1 pm)

DETAILS:

Margrett Magee, Business Services Manager (momagee@nola.gov) 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/license applications. Google Meets meeting information will be sent upon registration.

REGISTER:

CHOOSE A TIME TO MEET 

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Help Shape a New Orleans Food Incubator

Calling all New Orleans food businesses! We’re planning a new food incubator to support local entrepreneurs—and we want your input. Using federal Hurricane Ida recovery funds, this initiative aims to strengthen the city’s food economy by providing shared kitchen space, business support, and resources tailored to what food businesses actually need.

Take a short survey and help ensure this investment reflects your realities, challenges, and goals. Your voice will directly inform how the food incubator will be developed to support food businesses across New Orleans: https://forms.office.com/g/qBB3rad2uV

Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more resilient food ecosystem.

Click here to take the survey.

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Don't leave money on the table this tax season. Explore commonly overlooked credits and deductions your business may be able to take advantage of, from business travel deductions to health insurance premium credits. Read the full article on CO— to ensure you make the most of your write-offs this tax season.

READ MORE

Join on March 10 at 12PM for Your Small Business Financial Playbook: Advisors, Entity Structure, and Tax Compliance Explained, a practical webinar designed for small business owners navigating key financial decisions as they grow. 

REGISTER

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REGISTER

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REGISTER

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Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Wednesday, March 4, 10:00am-11:30am, for “Opportunity and Preparation: Creating a Business Development Plan for Your Business.” This virtual session is hosted in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s DBE Supportive Services program.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.

REGISTER

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Events/Workshops

Facilitated by LSBDC Greater New Orleans & Bayou Region: Main Office

Xavier University of Louisiana, Division of Business, Xavier South – ROOM 325

New Orleans

Phone: 504-831-3730

Email: lsbdc.gnor@LouisianaSBDC.ORG

REGISTER

REGISTER

Click here to find other events

Free or Low-Cost Business Education

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.

Online Events

March 4, 2026, 4:30pm

REGISTER

        March 4, 2026, 7:00am                                March 5, 2026, 5:00pm

                      REGISTER                                                      REGISTER

SIGN UP FOR SCORE WEBINARS

FIND MY SCORE BUSINESS MENTOR

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How to Fund Your Business

February 18, 2026, 1:00pm

REGISTER

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Nominations for the Morial Awards are now open! Submit your picks for Small Business and Corporation of the year by March 3rd.

NOMINATE

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Running a small business can be challenging, but having the right guidance makes all the difference.

TruFund’s Business Advisory services provide small business owners with expert support to help them grow, plan strategically, and strengthen operations. From financial planning to navigating capital opportunities, our advisors work closely with entrepreneurs to set them up for long-term success.

Start the year strong and see how our advisory services can support your business. 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

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The Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy's released their New Orleans Nightlife Business Best Practice Guide, a resource designed to help bars, music venues, restaurants, and other late-night businesses operate more efficiently, safely, and in alignment with City regulations and community values.    The guide is available for free download at O.N.E.’s website, alongside additional resources and updates from the office.

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Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute

The Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute, a partnership between Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Community & Technical College System and the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, offers small and emerging construction businesses seminars and courses that assist in building a solid foundation of knowledge within the construction industry.

LEARN MORE

Small and Emerging Business Development Program

Provides developmental assistance, including entrepreneurial training, marketing, computer skills, accounting, legal and industry-specific assistance.

APPLY NOW

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The DDD offers grants and assistance exclusive to downtown businesses. All applicants must schedule a meeting with the Downtown Development District staff to review funding availability and program requirements. Grants are only eligible to non-tax-exempt organizations.

Exterior Lighting Grant Program

The Exterior Lighting Grant will provide $3,000 with no matching requirement for businesses to install exterior lighting that is on from dusk to dawn.

LEARN MORE

Sidewalk Improvement

Property owners can receive a matching grant of up to $40,000 to replace or improve the sidewalks adjacent to their properties.

LEARN MORE

Complimentary Graffiti Removal

Property owners can have graffiti removed from the first floor of buildings if the graffiti is viewable from a public right of way at no-charge. 

LEARN MORE

Graffiti Removal Grant

Property owners can receive a 50% reimbursement up to $2,500 to offset the expense of graffiti removal from their property.Used for graffiti located on upper floors of buildings or not viewable from a public right-of-way.

LEARN MORE

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       Learn More                                Learn More                                   Learn More

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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 Alec Banks Jr. at Alec.banksjr@sba.gov.

This session is at NO COST.

SBA BIDSPEED:

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

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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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APPLY

View Past Recipients »

APPLY

View Past Recipients »

Business Category Grants

$10,000 winner each month

When you apply for the Amber Grant, you’re automatically considered for the $10,000 grant in the month you apply.

View Past Recipients »

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The Office of Cultural Economy

New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund

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

An economic development corporation dedicated to strengthening New Orleans culture-bearers with resources that uplift the city’s traditions and aid the evolution of skills, knowledge, and ideas into goods, services, and places that support our local cultural economy and tourism offerings.

Individuals and organizations who align with this mission are encouraged to apply for funding.

LEARN MORE

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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

How to Register Your New Startup

Before officially launching your startup, you'll likely need to register your business with various entities. Here's everything you need to know.

Starting a Business? A Guide to Business Licenses and Permits

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.

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.

A Practical Guide to Funding Your Small Business with Business Loans and Beyond

A detailed guide on how to fund your business, whether you're just beginning or you have a few years under your belt.

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.

Tax Breaks for Home-based Businesses

Many people don't realize they are eligible for home office tax deductions. If you're self-employed, find out if you're eligible for these tax breaks.

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: 
• Skip is offering two $10,000 grants to U.S.-based entrepreneurs and small business owners who are 18 or older. One $10,000 grant is open to all eligible applicants, while the second $10,000 grant is available exclusively to Skip Plus and Pro members. The deadline to apply is March 5.
• The Mona Small Business Impact Grant awards $5,000 in unrestricted, flexible funding to a small business making a meaningful impact in its community. The grant, sponsored by small-business funding co-pilot Mona, was incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs. Applications are due on March 16.
• The Kitty Fund — named for Catherine "Kitty" Abrams Tadlock Webster, mother of Founder's First CEO Kim Folsom — will award a total of $20,000 to 20 small business owners who identify as mothers. Pre-registration is open now, and the full application will open in March 2026.
• The Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program, offered by Walmart and Sam's Club, provides grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to organizations addressing the unique needs of local communities. All organizations must be deed-verified and have a Spark Good account to apply. Applications are open through April 15.
• The Hey Helen Grant offers $10,000 in unrestricted funding to support women and nonbinary entrepreneurs building mission-driven, for-profit businesses in the U.S. Applications are due by April 30.
• Startups and small businesses seeking funding can do so on a rolling, year-round basis with the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator program. Since 2010, this program has offered businesses the opportunity for a four-month accelerator program based in San Francisco, along with a $150,000 investment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) helps small businesses put plans in place to prepare for disaster and also provides immediate emergency funding when necessary. Businesses are asked to complete a four-step process to be eligible for quick-turn relief funding of $5,000 after a state emergency order or state disaster declaration is made in their region.
• Capital Klub, powered by Mogul Millennial, is a funding discovery platform that helps underestimated founders quickly discover grants, pitch competitions, and accelerator programs. Members get access to a daily-updated database, curated funding leads, a weekly funding newsletter, and deadline reminders to stay on track.
• The Comcast Innovation Fund is accepting applications for the 2025 grant year, providing financial support ranging from $3,000 to $150,000 for projects with a one-year duration that advance internet technology and public policy. The grant deadline is rolling until the funds for the year are exhausted.
• Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation offer grants to nonprofit organizations addressing financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. To qualify, organizations must hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, demonstrate fiscal stability, and address critical community needs centered around diversity, equity, and innovation. Eligible nonprofits may submit a Grant Interest Form for consideration..
• 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.
• 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 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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Business Banking Tools Grow your organization with a HOPE business loan Business Digital Banking E-Statements  HOPE Affinity Network Meet Your Lender  Telephone Banking Commercial Loan Portal Technical Assistance Business Loans

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Small Business Lending TruFund Small Business Loan SBA Community Advantages (7a) Loan CDFI Long Term Loan Fund CDFI Short Term Loan Fund TruAccess Contractor Mobilization Loans Real Estate Acquisition Program (RAP) Lending & Education Business Advisory Services

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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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         APPLY NOW               APPLY NOW                   APPLY NOW                     APPLY NOW

        APPLY NOW                 APPLY NOW                APPLY NOW                     CONTACT LED

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The Department of Safety and Permits

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. No account or login needed.

• Enter address, case number, reference code or permit number
• Once the applicable violation/permit appears, select Print Summary (printer not required)
• One Stop account and login is only required to apply for permits and licenses or pay for permits and licenses.

*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. The email should include the address, permit number, type of inspection and contractor name and phone to schedule the inspection.

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

*Zoning information can be found at https://nola.gov/next/safety-and-permits/topics/zoning-administration/

Alcohol Beverage Outlet (ABO) information  also known as a liquor license can be found at https://nola.gov/abo-license/

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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