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  • NOEW: A Recipe for Success – Grow Your Food Service Business!

    A Recipe for Success: Leveraging Best-in-Class Accelerator Programs to Grow Your Food Service Business Monday, March 27, 1:00pm-3:00pm Location: Southern Food & Beverage Museum, 1405 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113 Accelerator programs can be a game-changer for start-ups and growth stage businesses in the food service industry. During the New Orleans Entrepreneur Week’s NOEW In Your Neighborhood series, the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and its partners will share how food service accelerators are helping diverse entrepreneurs to grow and scale their operations through guidance on food costing, operational efficiency, branding and marketing, site selection, expanding to consumer packaged goods, and more! The event will take place on Monday, March 27th, 1:00pm-3:00pm, at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, 1405 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113; and will highlight the PepsiCo Foundation's Black Restaurant Accelerator Program, and feature Louisiana-based, Black-owned food service entrepreneurs who have leveraged the programs benefits to recover, grow, and sustain their operations. This session will also feature insights from PROOF, an accelerator, incubator, and food service consulting firm based in Chattanooga, TN. Founded and led by food and beverage industry veterans, the mission of Proof is to […]

  • 2023 Women in Construction Convening: Pathways to Profits

    New Orleans Jaz Market 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA, United States

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Women’s Business Resource Center for the 2023 Women In Construction Convening: Pathways to Profits: Leveraging Innovation for Recovery, Growth, and Sustainability. The event takes place on Thursday, April 27, 2023, 8:30am-4:00pm, at the New Orleans Jazz Market, 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA. We are excited to offer this dynamic event in support of women in construction across Louisiana and invite your to join us! During the past three years, construction firms across Louisiana have been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hurricanes Ida and Laura, localized flooding and tornados, and the economic downturn. These events caused delays in projects, labor shortages, supply chain delays, increased material costs, and tightened insurance coverage. Today, many of these issues are still being felt across the region. For construction owners, the need for deliberate strategies for recovery, growth, and sustainability are imperative. During the 2023 Women in Construction Convening, participants will learn about innovative pathways to profitability that can change the trajectory of their business with a focus on risk management, technology enhancements, opportunities in sustainable buildings and green infrastructure, and much more! This day will be packed with insights and best practices from industry […]

  • Bid to Win + Construction Management at Risk

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Wednesday, August 20, 10:00am-11:30am, for “Bid to Win + Construction Management at Risk”. This virtual session is a part of a series of monthly events in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s DBE Supportive Services program. Construction firms understand that hard work has to happen before a single shovel ever hits the ground during the continuous construction-bid-proposal process. Submitting effective proposals and winning bids is at the heart of what contractors do and developing this as a core competency is critical to building a profitable and sustainable business. For general contractors, a bid-to-win rate of one out of six is standard, and many see less of a conversion rate. During this session, contractors will learn best practices for developing a competitive proposal, including: positioning the firm to move quickly on submitting bid proposals, creating a winning scope sheet, developing and offering a value proposition, and putting your plans into action. In addition, participants, will gain an understanding of the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method which entails a commitment by the Construction Manager (CM) to deliver the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) which is based on the […]

  • WIN with NOENMCC Workshop: The Procurement Playbook

    Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA, United States

    You must register here in order to attend. Register today for the “WIN with NOENMCC Workshop: The Procurement Playbook”, hosted by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Small and Emerging Business Program and the Urban League of Louisiana, on Friday, August 22, 2025, 9:30am-12:00pm, at NOENMCC, 900 Convention Center Blvd., Meeting Room 267, New Orleans, LA 70130. Some of the biggest obstacles for small businesses seeking to win public and private procurement opportunities are mistakes related to estimating project costs, and challenges in submitting an accurate and complete bid package on time. During Volume 1 of this interactive workshop series, Small and Emerging Businesses that provide general contracting or specialized construction services including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, or janitorial services will learn: how to do business with NOENMCC, essential skills in electronic estimating, best practices in bid preparation, and step-by-step guidance and tips on how to successfully bid on NOENMCC projects. After completion of this workshop, participants will leave with the foundational skills and the confidence to start bidding to WIN! Participants should come prepared with a capabilities statement and a laptop fully-charged and ready for use during the session. This interactive workshop will be facilitated […]

  • QuickBooks for Beginners – S3: Accounting Concepts & Maintenance Tasks

    As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is the time to get the education and support that you need to set up your accounting system and processes the right way. Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation department on August 11, 18, and 25, from 5:30pm-7:30pm CST, for its 3-part “QuickBooks Online for Beginners” series. During this series, participants will learn the foundations for setting up QuickBooks online, managing everyday transactions and financial reports, and the key concepts and tasks that you must know for ongoing maintenance. Registration is required for each session. The series includes the following workshops: Session 1: Foundations – Get Started and Setup the Right Way Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts & Maintenance Tasks   QuickBooks Online – Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts and Maintenance Tasks You Must Know Monday, August 25 | 5:30pm-7:30pm During this session, participants will be guided through a deeper understanding of the reporting process in QuickBooks Online and how to set up your Chart of Accounts for optimal clarity into your business financials. Participants will learn how […]

  • Magnetic Marketing: Session 1: Brand Foundation & Strategic Direction

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard. This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals - with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools - using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation. Session 1: Brand Foundation & Strategic Direction Friday, September 5, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm During this session, participants will learn how to define who they are, what they offer, and why it matters. This session will cover: Your Story, Mission, and Vision Core Values and Brand Voice Company Messaging Defining Your Target Audience The Strategic Marketing Plan This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC. This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small […]

  • Magnetic Marketing: Session 2: Crafting Your Unique Message & Market Fit

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard. This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals - with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools - using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation. Session 2: Crafting Your Unique Message & Market Fit Friday, Sept 12, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm During this session, participants will learn how to develop a strong Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and clear customer targeting. This session will cover: Market problems → Solution Benefits Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition Crafting a compelling elevator pitch Introduction to the Customer Decision Journey Ideal Customer and Target Market This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC. This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must […]

  • Magnetic Marketing: Session 3: Website Strategy & SEO Essentials

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard. This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals - with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools - using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation. Session 3: Website Strategy & SEO Essentials Friday, September 19, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm During this session, participants will learn how to evaluate and strengthen their website presence and performance. This session will cover: Website must-haves Calls to Action (CTAs) that convert SEO 101 Outlining a website improvement plan This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC. This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program. Visit https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to […]

  • Creating a Business Development Plan for Your Construction Business

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Thursday, September 25, 10:00am-11:30am, for “Opportunity and Preparation: Creating a Business Development Plan for Your Construction Business.” This virtual session is a part of a series of monthly workshops hosted in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s DBE Supportive Services program. Business development in construction management refers to a strategic and actionable plan for pursuing new business and fostering relationships with your most preferred clients. Your business development plan outlines how you identify prospects, share your capabilities, and nurture business relationships so that prospects become clients when the time is right. During this session, contractors will learn how to increase profitability and scalability, by creating and managing a business development strategy – one that maximizes its strengths and experience and one that targets and converts its most preferred client types. The goal is to convert prospects to clients and to turn bids into awards! This session will be facilitated by Courtney Elzey, Principal, MCDS, LLC. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.

  • Magnetic Marketing: Session 4: Social Media & Content Strategy

    oin the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard. This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals - with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools - using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation. Session 4: Social Media & Content Strategy Friday, September 26, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm During this session, participants will learn how to plan and align content with brand and customer journey. This session will cover: How to choose the right social media platforms Defining content pillars and voice consistency Content calendars & batching content Tracking engagement This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC. This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and […]

  • Magnetic Marketing: Session 5: Email, Ads, & Budget Planning

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard. This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals - with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools - using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation. Session 5: Email, Ads, & Budget Planning Friday, October 3, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm During this session, participants will learn how to build connection and conversion through outreach strategies. This session will cover: Lead magnets, list-building, and email funnels Paid Ads: where to start, boosting vs. strategy Marketing Budget planning Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Mailchimp & Meta Ad Manager basics This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC. This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by […]

  • Magnetic Marketing: Session 6: Analytics, KPIs & Action Plan

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard. This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals - with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools - using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation. Session 6: Pulling It All Together: Analytics, KPIs & Action Plan Friday, October 10, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm During this session, participants will finalize their marketing strategy and set up a 30-day plan This session will cover: Workshop Review Campaign mapping: What to launch, how to measure Finalizing your strategic marketing plan 30-day Action Plan This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC. This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and Emerging […]