• 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.

  • WEBINAR: Public Relations for Entrepreneurs, Session 3 of 3: Online Reputation Management

    A company’s digital footprint is as important to their branding strategy as other traditional branding efforts. With millions of potential customers online every day, businesses that ignore or discount their online reputation often find their name and brand trust in need of repair. Understanding digital review platforms like Yelp, Google Business, and Glassdoor can help businesses to maintain a positive online reputation during and after the COVID-19 crisis. During this session, business leaders will learn about online review platforms like Yelp, Google Business, and Glassdoor and their significance to maintaining a trusted brand strategy during the COVID-19 crisis. Statistical data will be examined to illustrate the importance of effective online reputation monitoring, connecting with customers on digital platforms and earning positive reviews. 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.

  • The Future of Work and Creating Wealth in Minority Communities

    During this session, local national thought leaders will provide insights and recommendations on preparing minorities for the future of work with automation and closing the wealth gap in America between minority and non-minority communities. Panelists will share historical and current legislation and practices that have created the skills gap and the wealth gap in America, and recommendations for how communities of color can work to advocate for and create sustainable enterprises that create value for these communities. This session will also examine the economic, political and cultural implications that create positive outcomes or those that hinder progress in our communities.

  • Green Professional Building Skills 6-Session Training (GPRO Certificate)

    WEBINAR SERIES: Green Professional Building Skills 6-Session Training (GPRO Certificate) Please note that this is a multiple-day webinar series and cannot be split. Sessions will be held from 3:00-5:30p CDT on the following days: Tuesday, August 18, 2020 Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Thursday, August 20, 2020 Are you ready to shift your contracting firm from conventional to high-performance building practices? Are you a building professional looking to improve operational efficiency that will save you time, money, and energy? GPRO teaches the people who build, renovate and maintain buildings the principles of high performance construction in an industry that’s shifting ever more toward sustainable building. GPRO is a comprehensive training and certificate program developed by Urban Green Council, the U.S. Green Building Council’s New York City affiliate. GPRO’s trade-specific modules are designed for contractors and building professionals who seek to integrate green practices into the core knowledge of their trade. Don’t miss out on this game-changing opportunity! For more information, please contact Klassi Duncan, Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Urban League of Louisiana, at wbrc@urbanleaguela.org.

    $286.22
  • Green Professional Building Skills 6-Session Training

    WEBINAR SERIES: Green Professional Building Skills 6-Session Training (GPRO Certificate) Please note that this is a multiple-day webinar series and cannot be split. Sessions will be held from 3:00-5:30p CDT on the following days: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 Wednesday, August 26, 2020 Thursday, August 27, 2020 Are you ready to shift your contracting firm from conventional to high-performance building practices? Are you a building professional looking to improve operational efficiency that will save you time, money, and energy? GPRO teaches the people who build, renovate and maintain buildings the principles of high performance construction in an industry that’s shifting ever more toward sustainable building. GPRO is a comprehensive training and certificate program developed by Urban Green Council, the U.S. Green Building Council’s New York City affiliate. GPRO’s trade-specific modules are designed for contractors and building professionals who seek to integrate green practices into the core knowledge of their trade. Don’t miss out on this game-changing opportunity! For more information, please contact Klassi Duncan, Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Urban League of Louisiana, at wbrc@urbanleaguela.org.

    $286.22
  • Women In Business Challenge: Scale Up! 2020

    The Urban League of Louisiana is proud to announce the virtual activation of its 2020 Women in Business Challenge: Scale Up! sponsored by Iberia Bank and AARP Louisiana. The WIB Challenge provides female entrepreneurs with the education, tools, and resources needed to scale their businesses towards profitability and sustainability. During the event, program finalists will pitch their “Scale Up! Plan of Action” for a chance to win $10,000 in funding support. The Women in Business Challenge will be held on Friday, September 25, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, online. This event was previously scheduled to take place in March 2020. In response to COVID-19 safety precautions, the Urban League of Louisiana has decided to host this annual event virtually. DATE:  Friday, September 25, 2020 TIME:  11:00 am to 12:30 pm REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/yyhurt9v

  • Getting Your House in Order, Session 1: Get Your Business Established the Right Way

    When you start a new business, or if you need to restructure your business, understanding the processes and requirements of setting up your small business and effectively applying the correct information is essential to a profitable and sustainable business.  During this session, participants will learn Federal, State and Parish compliance requirements for starting a business. This session will guide participants through the processes and agency portals with "how to" steps. Topics covered include: *Federal: Employer Identification Number, SAM Registration *State: Registration, Name Reserved, Industry Insurance, Payroll, Louisiana Taxpayer Access Point (LaTAP) *Parish: Assumed Name Certificate, Business Licenses, Parish Taxes, Banking Rules *Other: NAICS Code, DUNS Number, etc. This session can serve as a refresher course for those who may have already started or completed the steps required to establish a business. This will be a “second look” to check for any inaccuracies or missing elements. If you have not started the process, this will be a time saver for you, a way to start your business the right way! Course Facilitator and Financial Business Advisor Leontine "Candy" Guimont-Martin is the owner of Martin Business Solution, based in Slidell, Louisiana. Leontine is a Business Developer, Tax Strategist, CFO, Financial Coach and […]

  • Getting Your House in Order, Session 2: Setting up Your Tax Accounts

    Every business has tax liabilities. It is critical that small business owners understand which taxes are required, how often, and how to maintain compliance. This will avoid inaccurate payments or failing to file or pay the necessary taxes for your business. During this session, participants will learn which tax accounts to set up for various types of businesses, including payroll, sales, and excise taxes. Course Facilitator and Financial Business Advisor Leontine "Candy" Guimont-Martin is the owner of Martin Business Solution, based in Slidell, Louisiana. Leontine is a Business Developer, Tax Strategist, CFO, Financial Coach and Credit Restoration Expert. There is no cost to attend this session, however registration is required. Register today! Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

  • Getting Your House in Order, Session 3: Get Credit Ready

    For small business owners, gaining access to funding to start and grow a business is essential. In order to prepare to access credit, owners must prepare and position themselves to meet the funding requirements of lenders. During this session, participants will learn how business credit differs from personal credit and how this is a key component of putting together a bankable business credit profile.  Participants will also learn basic business credit terminology, best practices in becoming bankable, and how to become credit compliant through the life of a loan. Course Facilitator and Financial Business Advisor Leontine "Candy" Guimont-Martin is the owner of Martin Business Solution, based in Slidell, Louisiana. Leontine is a Business Developer, Tax Strategist, CFO, Financial Coach and Credit Restoration Expert. There is no cost to attend this session, however registration is required. Register today! Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

  • Magnify Your Marketing, Session 1: How to Elevate Your Marketing Strategy

    There are various marketing tactics that small business owners can use to reach and influence their target markets – events, direct mail, email, social media, content strategy, street teams, couponing, webinars, seminars, partnerships, and other activities that will help you gain access to customers. However, deploying marketing tactics without a targeted strategy can yield minimal results that do not produce a return on your marketing investment. To ensure that marketing tactics target the potential customers that you want and drive sales, entrepreneurs should develop a marketing strategy based on customer needs and buying behaviors. During this session, participants will learn how to elevate their marketing strategies by exploring the following: • Establishing your sales goals • Defining your target customer • Understanding the competitive environment • Positioning your brand for success • Developing a marketing budget • Developing a tracking system for results and ROI This session is suitable for start-up businesses, as well as existing businesses that need to revamp their marketing strategies for better results. 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/regi.../8739504869876576527. After registering, you will receive a confirmation […]

  • Magnify Your Marketing, Session 2: Using Technology to Improve Customer Reach and Engagement

    Growth-oriented entrepreneurs are always exploring new and innovate ways to increase customer reach and convert potential clients to actual customers. With increased competition and a surge in the need for digital marketing, entrepreneurs must understand the importance of utilizing the latest, most effective technologies to increase the number and effectiveness of its interactions with existing and potential clients. During this session, participants will learn how to determine what key processes must be improved within their marketing plans and what technologies can be leveraged to yield optimal results. This session will also address the following questions: •Why is it so important to use technology when marketing my business? •What are some of the best technologies available? •How do I go about assessing which technologies are best for my business? The following technologies will be discussed: SEO, Customer Relationship Management, Social Media Management, Email Marketing, Communications, Content Management, Advertising, Analytics, etc. There is no cost to attend this webinar; however, you must be registered for the webinar to participate. Please secure your spot today by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/330477324041307151. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. In order to attend, all participants must be a Certified Small and […]

  • Magnify Your Marketing, Session 3: E-commerce Essentials – Your Guide to Selling Online

    E-commerce has become the rule, rather than the exception, in conducting business. Most entrepreneurs now find it imperative to in selling products, and even many services. During this session, entrepreneurs will learn several ways to sell products and/or services online. Attendees will learn how they can sell items through Etsy, eBay, Shopify, and more. This session will also provide attendees with information on payment and shipping choices so those who want to sell online can select the option that works best for their business. Topics discussed include: • Where and how to sell your product online • Hosted vs self-hosted ecommerce solutions • 10 Easy, Hosted Storefronts and Shopping Carts • Online Auction Sites and General Marketplaces • Free-to-List Classified-Ad Sites 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/regi.../5217297435622094095. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 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 […]