CEI

Looking for the Right Payment Processor for Your Small Business? Here’s What You Need to Know The Mastercard “Master Your Card” program provides resources and tools for people of all ages, as well as new business owners, to better understand the value of electronic payments and how to use them more efficiently, so they can leverage this technology to make the most of their money. Small business owners are invited to join the Urban League of Louisiana on Tuesday, November 8th, 12:00pm-1:30pm, virtually, to learn how to best identify and manage a relationship with the right payment processor. This session is sponsored by Mastercard, and the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with the National Urban League. This session will feature the following Master Your Card topics: Choosing the Right Card Processor - As you get started with card acceptance, make sure you understand the processing system. Getting the Best Deal for Your Business - Negotiating with processors shouldn't be tricky -- learn about tips and best practices for getting the best contract for your business. Six Steps to a Successful Relationship with Your Payment Processors - Maintaining a good relationship with your payment processor is an important part […]

Join the Urban League of Louisiana for “Boots to Business: Reboot for Veteran Entrepreneurs and Spouses”! This event is hosted in collaboration with the Veterans Business Outreach Center – Mississippi State University, and sponsored by AARP. Boots to Business: Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, the path to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. Reboot extends the entrepreneurship training to veterans of all eras, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and military spouses in their communities. The session will take place on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 10:00am-2:00pm, at the AARP Community Resource Center, 3502 S. Carrollton Avenue, Suite C, New Orleans, LA 70118. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot! Remember, this session is open to veterans and spouses. Questions? Please email us at cei@urbanleaguela.org.

As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is a great time to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way! Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to 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. This 3-part series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business. QuickBooks Online – Session 1: Foundations – Get Started and Setup the Right Way Monday, November 14, 2022 | 5:30pm-7:30pm During this session, learn how to get started with QuickBooks Online and receive guidance on the entire setup process. Participants will learn how to how to add your business information, which accounting method to use, how to setup and pull data in from your bank, and so much more! This is a foundational course that will help you establish a solid baseline for your accounting system. Course Facilitator: Lori Jackson, MSC Financial Services There is no cost to attend this informational webinar; however, you must be registered on GoToWebinar to participate. […]

As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is a great time to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way! Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to 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. This 3-part series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business. QuickBooks Online – Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | 5:30pm-7:30pm During this session, participants will learn how to process transactions QuickBooks Online. As a business owner, this is imperative in understanding your sales and expenses, and managing your cash flow. Participants will learn how to customize invoices, create sales receipts, receive and pay money. For those that sell products, this session will also cover how to use QuickBooks Online to track inventory and sales taxes. Course Facilitator: Lori Jackson, MSC Financial Services There is no cost to attend this informational webinar; however, you must be registered on GoToWebinar to participate. Please secure your spot today […]

As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is a great time to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way! Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to 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. This 3-part series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business. QuickBooks Online – Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts and Maintenance Tasks You Must Know Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | 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 to run the three primary financial reports (income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows), how to read these reports, how to reconcile accounts and how to create custom fields to track income/expenses. Attendees will also learn how to run other reports that are specific to your business that will help with optimizing […]

Gig and Freelance workers account for about 30% of the US workforce and are an integral part of the economy. Covid-19 accelerated the growth of this segment. The flexibility and freedom enjoyed by independent workers offers work-life balance, but can also come with uncertainties. Gig and freelance workers are invited to join the Urban League of Louisiana on Tuesday, November 22nd, 12:00pm-1:30pm, virtually, to learn tips for getting control of your finances and best practices in planning for a successful financial future. This session is sponsored by Mastercard, and the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with the National Urban League. This session will feature the following Master Your Card topics: Start Small: 5 Quick Ways to Save Money - With these five tips, you may be able to save a little at a time without sacrificing cash flow. 8 Cost-Cutting Tips for Independent Workers - Here are eight cost-cutting tips to help you get the most out of your hard-earned money. Credit Building 101 - Even if you don’t have a credit score yet or a “strong” one, building good credit is possible. Create a Financial Safety Net, One Step at a Time. - Planning for the future, […]

Gig and Freelance workers account for about 30% of the US workforce and are an integral part of the economy. Covid-19 accelerated the growth of this segment. The flexibility and freedom enjoyed by independent workers offers work-life balance, but can also come with uncertainties. Gig and freelance workers are invited to join the Urban League of Louisiana on Tuesday, November 29th, 12:00pm-1:30pm, virtually, to learn best practices in tax planning and how to find and keep the right benefits to meet your needs. This session is sponsored by Mastercard, and the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with the National Urban League. This session will feature the following Master Your Card topics: 5 Tax Terms Every Gig Worker Should Know - Here are a few tax terms that gig, and independent workers should know. Top 5 Deductible Expenses for Independent Workers - When tax time comes, make sure your money works as hard as you do: claim your deductible expenses to lower the bill, or maybe even help you score a refund. 6 Benefits Independent Workers Need Most - If you’re not sure which benefits you need or how to quickly find the right plan for your needs, check […]

Please note that this is a multiple-day training series and cannot be split. Get the Help You Need to Start Your Business the Right Way! Have you recently started your own business and realized that you need help? Are you unsure if you have explored all of the tools and resources needed to ensure your success? Would you like more in-depth assistance with your business planning? If so, Start Up! Louisiana is for you! Start Up! Louisiana is a 9-session, entrepreneurial training program that teaches new entrepreneurs how to launch their business ventures the right way. This series provides best practices for how to build a solid business foundation that ensures success. Topics covered focus on developing your entrepreneurial mindset, starting lean, understanding business financials, and how to effectively market to your target customer. Participants also receive individual business counseling and access to other support services and resources needed to successfully launch and grow! Ready to get started? Classes will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays, January 9 - February 8, 6:00pm-8:30pm. There is no cost to attend this series. All classes will be held at the Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum, 1600 Phoenix Square, Hammond, LA 70403. This series […]

oin the Urban League of Louisiana for the “Financial Empowerment Series for Entrepreneurs”, Tuesdays, January 10 – February 9th, 6:00pm-8:30pm. New and early stage entrepreneurs have an opportunity to leverage small business ownership as a pathway to economic independence and resilience. To get started on the right path to financial empowerment, it is critical that business owners learn how to launch and grow a business that has financial stability and the potential for growth. During this series, entrepreneurs will be guided through a roadmap to financially position your business for success. Each session will take place at the Sankofa Community Center, 5200 Dauphine Street, New Orleans, LA 70117. There is no cost to attend, however, seating is limited and registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot! This series is sponsored by the Lower 9th Ward Economic Development District and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. To participate, attendees must be or become certified through the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program. Visit www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/sebd to get certified today! Session 1: Set Up Your Business for Financial Success New business owners must create a business model and financial plan that ensures success. During this session, entrepreneurs […]