LADOTD: Developing an Effective Capabilities Statement

With an increase in the number of viable contractors available to support public and private projects, contracting across the region is now more competitive than ever. However, the critical factors are the same. Procurement leads need to understand your capabilities, your value proposition, cost competitiveness, and how well you have performed on previous projects. But, with a sea of contenders, these elements need to be even more clearly and effectively conveyed than ever before. As a contractor, whether you are providing labor, materials, or professional services, your capability statement serves as your business card and should set your apart from your competitors. It is a tool that will show potential clients how your achievements, core competencies, accreditations, financial health, and experience will create value for their projects. Writing a capability statement is not easy. However, it is worth the time and effort, and will produce positive outcomes if done right. During this interactive workshop, participants will learn the key components of a capabilities statement and will be given guidance on crafting these elements to fit their business model and offerings. This session will also include an overview of the LAUCP DBE Certification including eligibility requirements and the application process. All […]

QuickBooks Online – Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts and Maintenance

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 […]

Master Your Card: Getting Control of Your Finances

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, […]

Master Your Card: Taxes and Benefits for Gig and Freelance Workers

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 […]

2023 Start Up! Louisiana (9-Session Series)

Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum 1600 Phoenix Square, Hammond, LA

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 […]

Financial Empowerment Series for Entrepreneurs – 5 Session Series

Sankofa Community Center 5200 Dauphine Street, New Orleans, LA

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 […]

Get DBE Certified!: Understanding the LA Unified Certification Program

Please register for "Louisiana Unified Certification Program: Get DBE Certified!" by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5106720665856397913 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Wednesday, January 11, 10:00am-11:30am, to learn more about how to get LAUCP DBE certified! During this session, participants will learn the benefits and the key components of the LAUCP DBE Certification including eligibility requirements and the application process. This session will include: Benefits of the LAUCP DBE certification Who should apply including eligibility requirements A step-by-step review of the application process Required documents including those that verify ownership and management control Tips for completing a successful application All aspiring DBEs are welcomed to attend. There is no cost to attend; however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your seat! There is no cost to attend this informational webinar, however, you must be registered for the webinar to participate. Please secure your spot today by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5106720665856397913. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Women & Wealth: The Road to Financial Independence and Resilience

Natural disasters, health crisis, and other unforeseen events can have immediate and long-term impacts on your personal finances. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that women business owners not lose sight of the need to effectively plan for the financial future that they desire. Women entrepreneurs must become strategic and take deliberate action to ensure success. During this special session, women entrepreneurs will learn best practices for managing their finances and gain insights on how to create a financial plan that mitigates future risks. Topics discussed will include: tips on how to build and manage wealth, best practices in budgeting, spending and saving, how to prepare for asset ownership, debt reduction strategies, how to become bankable, and much more! Register here.

Opportunities Outlook 2023 for DBE Contractors

Regional Transportation Management Center 10 Veterans Boulevard, New Orleans, LA

Working on your 2023 business development plan? Join us for Opportunities Outlook 2023 to learn about upcoming procurement opportunities! The Urban League of Louisiana's Contractor's Resource Center will host "Opportunities Outlook 2023" for DBE Contractors on Thursday, January 26, 2023, 1:00pm-4:00pm, at the Regional Transportation Management Center, 10 Veterans Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124. This annual event is held to support contractors in preparing for the upcoming year by focusing attention on new opportunities for strategic growth and competitiveness. The event will feature updates on current opportunities and upcoming bids from procurement officers and prime contractors. Other programs and resources that support capacity-building and profitability for the contracting community will also be featured. Seating is limited. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot! Also, please bring a stack of your capabilities statement to share!

Black Restaurant Accelerator Program – S1: Growth Tactics in Food Service

Please register for "Black Restaurant Accelerator Program Series - S1: Growth Tactics for Food Service Operators" by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7011202348509721175 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar Join the Urban League of Louisiana for a special 3-part entrepreneurial education series for food service operators looking to grow and scale! The series is designed to provide restauranteurs, caterers, and food truck operators with best practices and actionable steps related to growth tactics, food costing, and consumer packaged goods. This special spring series is hosted in collaboration with the National Urban League and sponsored by the PepsiCo Foundation as a part of the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program (BRAP). BRAP is a part of a $10M investment by the PepsiCo Foundation to provide current and aspiring Black restaurateurs with access to capital, training, mentorship and other support services through the National Urban League’s 12 entrepreneurship centers. Each session will be facilitated by PROOF, an accelerator, incubator, and bar based in Chattanooga, TN. Founded and led by food and beverage industry veterans, the mission of Proof is to support owners and operators in the industry through programs, resources, and community. Register today to reserve your seat for […]

Black Restaurant Accelerator Program – S2: Best Practices in Food Costing

Please register for "Black Restaurant Accelerator Program Series - S2: Best Practices in Food Costing" by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/499102840448311134. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Join the Urban League of Louisiana for a special 3-part entrepreneurial education series for food service operators looking to grow and scale! The series is designed to provide restauranteurs, caterers, and food truck operators with best practices and actionable steps related to growth tactics, food costing, and consumer packaged goods. This special spring series is hosted in collaboration with the National Urban League and sponsored by the PepsiCo Foundation as a part of the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program (BRAP). BRAP is a part of a $10M investment by the PepsiCo Foundation to provide current and aspiring Black restaurateurs with access to capital, training, mentorship and other support services through the National Urban League’s 12 entrepreneurship centers. Each session will be facilitated by PROOF, an accelerator, incubator, and bar based in Chattanooga, TN. Founded and led by food and beverage industry veterans, the mission of Proof is to support owners and operators in the industry through programs, resources, and community. Register today to reserve your seat for each session! […]

Voice of the Community Roundtable: St. Charles Parish

Join the Urban League of Louisiana as we host a “Voice of the Community” (VOC) Roundtables in St. Charles Parish! This community-based event will be used to gain valuable insights on the challenges impacting small businesses across the state of Louisiana. The goal of this convening is to hear directly from entrepreneurs about challenges, gaps, opportunities, and resource needs and to leverage this information to create, mobilize, and enhance ULLA’s small business support services across the state. These meetings are hosted as a part of the Urban League of Louisiana’s SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with the National Urban League. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Masks are highly encouraged. Refreshments will be provided at each session. Host: Dr. Carla Antoine, Director, Small Business Support Services, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Urban League of Louisiana