• Disaster Preparedness Series: Emergency Funding Opportunities with the SBA and FEMA

    As communities across the state of Louisiana begin to prepare for the potential impacts of a very active hurricane season, it is imperative that small businesses start now to evaluate risks and develop contingency plans to ensure the best outcomes for business recovery and continuity. To support small businesses across the state of Louisiana in preparing for the 2022 hurricane season, the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is hosting a 3-Part virtual series, “Disaster Recovery & Preparedness Series”. During this series, representatives from the SBA Louisiana District, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, the Louisiana Department of Insurance, the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance, and many others will provide information on how to protect your business and gain access to the resources that you may need when recovering from a hurricane. This series is a part of the Urban League of Louisiana’s SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with the National Urban League. Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Thursday, July 28th, 1:00pm-3:00pm, for “Session 2: Emergency Funding Opportunities with the SBA and FEMA”. During this session, participants will learn about FEMA assistance, SBA mitigation funding, SBA disaster funding, non-traditional funding sources, and the […]

  • There’s An App for That!: The Best Business Apps for Entrepreneurs

    Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, on Friday, July 29th, 10:00am-11:30am, to gain insights on the best apps and tools to use in managing your small business! This online session is sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Growth-oriented entrepreneurs are always exploring new and innovate ways to increase customer satisfaction and improve internal efficiency and productivity for long term sustainability and profitability. With increased competition, workforce challenges, and ever-changing market dynamics, entrepreneurs must understand the importance of utilizing the latest, most effective technologies in increasing efficiency and boosting customer interactions. During this webinar, participants will learn how to determine what key processes they need to focus on improving within their businesses. This session will also address the following questions : Why is it so important to use apps and other software in running my business? What are some of the best apps available for various business processes? How do I go about assessing which app is best for my business? There is no cost to attend this informational webinar; however, you must be registered on GoToWebinar to participate. Please secure your spot today by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7307029245614944523. After registering, you will […]

  • Disaster Preparedness Series: Identify and Respond to Disaster-related Contracting Opportunities

    As communities across the state of Louisiana begin to prepare for the potential impacts of a very active hurricane season, it is imperative that small businesses start now to evaluate risks and develop contingency plans to ensure the best outcomes for business recovery and continuity. To support small businesses across the state of Louisiana in preparing for the 2022 hurricane season, the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is hosting a 3-Part virtual series, “Disaster Recovery & Preparedness Series”. During this series, representatives from the SBA Louisiana District, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, the Louisiana Department of Insurance, the SBA Office of Disaster Assistance, and many others will provide information on how to protect your business and gain access to the resources that you may need when recovering from a hurricane. This series is a part of the Urban League of Louisiana’s SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with the National Urban League. Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Thursday, August 4th, 1:00pm-3:00pm, for “Session 3: How to Identify and Respond to Disaster-related Contracting Opportunities”. During this session, participants will learn how to identify industry-specific disaster contracts, SBA disaster contracts, DOTD disaster contracts, and […]

  • SBA: Business, Procurement, and Funding Matters Roundtable

    The Building 1427 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA

    Join us for a special roundtable discussion with SBA’s Region VI Administrator, Ted James, to discuss business challenges, procurement opportunities, and funding matters that impact small businesses in the Greater New Orleans region. The event will take place on Tuesday, August 9th, 11:30am-1:30pm, at The Building, 1427 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70113. The session will include information on the many SBA and partner programs and resources that are available to our small business community. Please bring your questions, concerns, and feedback for this important discussion. We want to hear from you! Featured Speakers: Ted James, Regional Administration, Small Business Administration Region VI Jo Ann Lawrence, Deputy District Director, Louisiana District Office, Small Business Administration Supporting Organizations: Urban League of Louisiana Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation Louisiana Small Business Development Center, Bayou Region Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot!

  • Marketing in a Digital World

    Marketing in a Digital World provides a collection of practical resources to help Black business owners grow and scale their business. In partnership with Black Enterprise, the National Urban League, the U.S. Black Chambers, and the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Advancing Black Entrepreneurs is hosting its signature education session — Marketing in a Digital World — for insights into how you can help increase brand awareness and build your community — both in-person and online. Please join the National Urban League on Thursday, August 25th, 5:00-6:30pm CST, for this 90-minute guided digital session and learn how to: Position your business so it stands out in a saturated marketplace Integrate effective strategies for targeting your core audience Maximize your digital reach across your website, mobile apps, social media, and more Plan, measure, and optimize the impact of your digital marketing There is no cost to attend; however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your seat!

  • Register for Scale Up

    The Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will host the seventh cohort of Scale Up! Louisiana. This cohort is designated for small businesses in North Louisiana! Scale Up! Louisiana Cohort 7 is hosted in collaboration with the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program and the National Urban League and sponsored by Wells Fargo, AARP Louisiana, and Mastercard. Scale Up! Louisiana is a statewide entrepreneurial education intensive that provides early-stage entrepreneurs with the education and resources that are critical to creating a scalable and profitable business. This is a transition program that guides existing, early-stage small business owners towards becoming high-growth, sustainable ventures. This modular program will be delivered via: •2, In-Person Class Sessions (Orientation and Final Session) •8, 2.5-hour web class sessions, and •5, 45-minute pre-recorded web sessions. All in-person sessions will adhere to CDC, state, and city guidelines. Participants will receive one-on-one and small group counseling and other support services throughout the program. Interested entrepreneurs must apply for the Scale Up! Louisiana program. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 7 2022, at 5:00p.m. CST. Register here.

  • LADOTD: Developing a Business Development Plan for Construction Business

    Please register for "LADOTD: Developing a Business Development Plan for Construction Business" by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2819950878267535883 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 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. Business development is strategic integration of marketing, sales and customer service efforts. It also is most successful when everyone in the business understands and works towards a common goal for bringing on new business. 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 also include an overview of the LAUCP DBE Certification including eligibility requirements and the application process. There is no cost to attend this session, however, registration is required. Register today […]

  • Apply for Young Adult Reentry Program

    Are you a justice-involved young adult (age 18-24) looking for employment or a fresh start? This is the program for you! The Young Adult Reentry Program (YARP) is designed to provide young adults with employment and training services. The program consists of: Job preparatory, case management, legal assistance services, social service assistance, and post-secondary education enrollment to prepare young adults for careers in high-demand sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing, Construction/Building Trades, Healthcare, Technology, Transportation, Logistics, and Registered Apprenticeships. When applicable, expungement opportunities will be offered to participants to help provide them with the ability to change behaviors and obtain a second chance to achieve their goals. For more information, visit urbanleaguela.org/yarp

  • LADOTD: Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining an All Star Team

    Please register for "LADOTD: Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining an All Star Team" by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6726156151453439504 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 2022 is expected to yield an increase in public and private construction projects across the U.S. This is great for the industry, however, this also means that small business contractors must be prepared for the competitive landscape that is sure to impact how you recruit, hire, and train a best-in-class crew. It is critical that owners have a strategic plan to efficiently manage and retain your field crew. This is essential to staying on budget and on schedule, and can lead to increased profitability. During this session, construction managers and owners will learn how to build a foundation for a successful field crew which requires processes, discipline and the proper resources. This session will dive into best practices for recruiting, hiring, developing, managing, and retaining an all-star team! This session will also include an overview of the LAUCP DBE Certification including eligibility requirements and the application process. There is no cost to attend this session, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot! All existing and aspiring DBE […]

  • Early Voting Begins

    Q: I think I’m registered, but I’m not sure. How can I find out? A: Double check to make sure you are registered or to update your information at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/Home/VoterLogin Q: I am registered, but I’m not sure where my polling location is. A: Some polling locations may change due to the pandemic. Find your polling location at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/Home/VoterLogin Q: I can’t wait to vote, but I’m not sure what will be on the ballot. Can I see it ahead of time so that I can be prepared? A: Yes! You can view your sample ballot for your precinct at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/Home/VoterLogin

  • 2022 Veterans Small Business Resources Summit

    The Urban League of Louisiana is pleased to host its 2022 Veterans Small Business Resources Summit in celebration of veterans entrepreneurship, and as an extension of National Veterans Small Business Week (October 31 – November 4). During this event, we will shine a light on veteran’s entrepreneurship across the state of Louisiana by sharing the many resources that are available to veteran and their spouses to start and grow their businesses. This year’s event is sponsored by AARP and Chevron, and hosted in collaboration with the SBA LA District Office, the Veterans Business Outreach Center – Mississippi State University, and Louisiana Economic Development. This year’s event will take place on Friday, November 4, 10:00am-12:00pm, and will be hosted online. Veterans and the general public are welcome to attend. Register today to reserve your spot! Confirmed Speakers to Date: Judy Reese Morse, President & CEO, Urban League of Louisiana Felicia Brown, Senior Advisor | Small Business/Entrepreneurship & Financial Resilience David Feldman, Supply Chain Advisor, Supplier Diversity, Chevron Michael Ricks, District Director, Louisiana District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration Jo Ann Lawrence, Deputy District Director, Louisiana District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration Mark Scott, Director, Veterans Business Outreach Center, Mississippi State University […]