WEBINAR: Construction Law Academy, Session 2: Increasing Capacity through Partnering Agreements

Session Presenter: Frank W. Johnson, III, MPA - Senior Business Advisor and Contractor Specialist, ULLA During this session, the presenter will provide insights into the dynamics of partnering agreements, as well as the specific types of partnering agreements, which include joint ventures and mentor-protege relationships. Attendees will walk away with new perspectives on risk mitigation, including the key elements of a partnering contract that must be considered. In order to attend, all participants must be a Certified Small and Emerging Business via Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Program. Please note that there is no cost associated with SEBD certification, and most startups meet SEBD eligibility requirements. To become a Certified SEBD, please visit https://tinyurl.com/SEBDCertify. If you should have any questions, please email us at WBRC@UrbanLeagueLA.org.

WEBINAR: Public Relations for Entrepreneurs, Session 1 of 3: Crisis Management

Public Relations for Entrepreneurs, Session 1 of 3: Crisis Management – What Entrepreneurs Should be Doing Now to Reignite Their Brand Effective brand management during a global crisis is critical to ensuring resiliency and brand trust during business slowdowns or temporary closures. However, due to the abrupt and extensive impact the current crisis has had on day-to-day business activities, business leaders must be prepared to effectively communicate to internal and external stakeholders new branding or marketing strategies or pivot existing strategies to meet customer needs. During this session, business leaders will hear an overview of the principles of public relations, crisis management and reputation management as it pertains to the current health and economic crisis. Leaders will receive an overview of how to reposition their brand without hurting or hindering long-term business growth. In order to attend, all participants must be a Certified Small and Emerging Business via Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Program. Please note that there is no cost associated with SEBD certification, and most startups meet SEBD eligibility requirements. To become a Certified SEBD, please visit https://tinyurl.com/SEBDCertify. If you should have any questions, please email us at WBRC@UrbanLeagueLA.org.

WEBINAR: Public Relations for Entrepreneurs, Session 2 of 3: Using PR Tools to Build Brand Trust, Loyalty, and Credibility during a Crisis

Implementing effective social media, email marketing, crisis communique and media engagement strategies are essential to building trust as well as business retention and sustainability during an economic crisis. Utilizing traditional PR tools such as news stories and press releases coupled with 21st century tools like social media, e-newsletters, podcasts/webinars and virtual speaking engagements are a great way to maintain a long-term branding strategy. During this session, business leaders will view actual news stories, press releases, social media posts and e-newsletters to properly illustrate how to best approach brand strategy development during a crisis. Business leaders will have the opportunity to create a social media post promoting their product or service that takes into consideration the sensitivities of the times. In order to attend, all participants must be a Certified Small and Emerging Business via Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Program. Please note that there is no cost associated with SEBD certification, and most startups meet SEBD eligibility requirements. To become a Certified SEBD, please visit https://tinyurl.com/SEBDCertify. If you should have any questions, please email us at WBRC@UrbanLeagueLA.org.

SBA EIDL Updates and PPP Loan Forgiveness Requirements

To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19. In addition, the Paycheck Protection Program is still available to eligible small businesses through June 30.

Protecting Yourself from Covid-19 in the Workplace

During this session, small business owners and their employees will learn the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as, how to clean and disinfect the workplace to limit the spread of COVID-19.