Urban League of Louisiana

Scale Up! Louisiana - Lafayette
2024-02-27 17:30 - 2024-04-23 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Downtown Convention Center, Lafayette, 124 S. Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA, 70501, United States
Scale Up! Louisiana is a statewide, community-based, entrepreneurial education intensive hosted by Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This program provides early-stage, women- and minority-owned firms with the education and resources needed for scalability and profitability.
This cohort of the Scale Up! Louisiana program is specifically designed to support businesses in Lafayette and surrounding areas, and is sponsored by First Horizon and Louisiana Economic Development. This program is also funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
In order to participate, entrepreneurs must commit to a hybrid business education program that is delivered via:

4, 2.5-hour In-Person Class Sessions (Sessions 1, 4, 9, 10)
6, 2.5-hour web class sessions, and
5, 45-minute pre-recorded web sessions.

Participants must also commit to utilizing additional resources and services to support their business outside of curriculum, including: counseling sessions, technical assistance, business plan assignments, and meetings with an assigned business advisor.
Classes will take place February 27-April 23, 2024 with a hybrid schedule. Sessions 1, 4, 9, and 10 will take place in-person on Tuesdays, 5:30pm-8:00pm, at the Downtown Convention Center, 124 S. Buchanan Street, Lafayette, LA 70501. All other sessions will take place on Fridays, 9:30am-12:00pm, virtually.
Eligibility Criteria: In order to participate, small businesses must:

Be located in Lafayette and surrounding parishes an in operation for at least 2 years
Have at least $30,000 in documented revenue for the previous tax year
Have a desire to scale
Have access to the internet and a computer with a camera at home

In addition, eligible business owners must be or become certified through the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program.
Up to 30 business owners from the Lafayette area will be selected. Participants will be chosen based on 1.) the applicant’s ability to meet the eligibility requirements; 2.) the growth potential of the business; and 3.) the applicant’s desire to learn and grow in an interactive, online environment.
This series is sponsored by the 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 https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today!
Applications are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is Friday, February 16.

2024 Listen and Learn Tour: Monroe
2024-05-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Louisiana Delta Community College, 7500 Millhaven Road, Monroe, LA, 71203, United States
RSVP to This Event!

2024 Listen and Learn Tour: Shreveport
2024-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Morning Star Baptist Church, 5240 Jewella Avenue, Shreveport, LA, 71109, United States

2024 Listen and Learn Tour: Alexandria
2024-05-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Zion Hill Church, 12 Hunter Street, Pineville, 71360, United States

2024 Listen and Learn Tour: Lake Charles
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Rep. Wilford Carter’s Legislative Office, 1025 Mill St., Lake Charles, LA, 70601, United States

2024 Listen and Learn Tour: Lafayette
2024-05-18 17:00 - 19:00 | James R. Oliver Hall Auditorium and Lobby (Room 112), 301 E. Lewis Street, Lafayette, LA, 70503, United States

2024 Listen and Learn Tour: Baton Rouge
2024-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Charles R. Kelly Community Center, 3535 Riley Street, Baton Rouge, LA, 70805, United States

2024 Listen and Learn Tour: New Orleans
2024-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Urban League of Louisiana HQ, 4640 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70119, United States

2024 Big Health Event
2024-09-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
Register for this event

Energy Apprenticeship Career & Resource Expo
2024-11-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Urban League of Louisiana HQ, 4640 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70119, United States
Join us for the Energy Apprenticeship Career & Resource Expo, held in partnership with the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the Louisiana Community & Technical Colleges System, and the H2theFuture Project, in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week 2024.

Learn about future opportunities for education and training related to clean and renewal energy and hydrogen jobs. Talk directly with employers who are hiring and the institutions providing training to help you join the energy workforce. Visit https://urbanleaguela.org/energy-apprenticeship-expo-2024/ to register to attend!

2025 Big Health Event
2025-08-02 10:00 - 15:00 | Shreveport Convenion Center, 400 Caddo St., Shreveport, LA, 71101

By The People: Council Seat A
2025-08-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Loyola University Nunemaker Hall, 6363 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70118
The “By The People” Debate Series, a dynamic, community-powered platform uplifting the voices, needs, and priorities of Black and Brown New Orleanians, kicks off August 12 with City Council District A and concludes with the Mayoral Debate on September 9.
Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana in partnership with: Ashé Cultural Arts Center • Black Voters Matter • C.O.P. • Eternal Seeds • GNOHA • Krewe of Themis • Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition • NAACP – New Orleans • National Coalition of 100 Black Women • New Orleans NPHC • NOLA HBCU Alumni Association • The Links, Inc. – Crescent City, Orleans, and Pontchartrain Chapters • Proficient Media Service • Teamer Strategy Group • The Collaborative and Xavier University.
Together, we’re confronting power, policies, and progress in Orleans Parish.
Join us for a series of crucial, high-impact debates that put our communities first.
Because leadership should be decided by the people — for the people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-orleans-city-council-district-a-debate-tickets-1538389758179

By The People: City Councilmember At-Large, Division 2
2025-08-15 19:00 - 21:00 | McDonogh 35 High School, 4000 Cadillac St., New Orleans, LA, 70122
The “By The People” Debate Series, a dynamic, community-powered platform uplifting the voices, needs, and priorities of Black and Brown New Orleanians, kicks off August 12 with City Council District A and concludes with the Mayoral Debate on September 9.
Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana in partnership with: Ashé Cultural Arts Center • Black Voters Matter • C.O.P. • Eternal Seeds • GNOHA • Krewe of Themis • Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition • NAACP – New Orleans • National Coalition of 100 Black Women • New Orleans NPHC • NOLA HBCU Alumni Association • The Links, Inc. – Crescent City, Orleans, and Pontchartrain Chapters • Proficient Media Service • Teamer Strategy Group • The Collaborative and Xavier University.
Together, we’re confronting power, policies, and progress in Orleans Parish.
Join us for a series of crucial, high-impact debates that put our communities first.
Because leadership should be decided by the people — for the people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/city-council-at-large-division-2-debate-tickets-1538515965669

By The People: Council Seat C
2025-08-19 19:00 - 21:00 | L.B. Landry High School – Auditorium, 1200 L B Landry Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70114
The “By The People” Debate Series, a dynamic, community-powered platform uplifting the voices, needs, and priorities of Black and Brown New Orleanians, kicks off August 12 with City Council District A and concludes with the Mayoral Debate on September 9.
Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana in partnership with: Ashé Cultural Arts Center • Black Voters Matter • C.O.P. • Eternal Seeds • GNOHA • Krewe of Themis • Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition • NAACP – New Orleans • National Coalition of 100 Black Women • New Orleans NPHC • NOLA HBCU Alumni Association • The Links, Inc. – Crescent City, Orleans, and Pontchartrain Chapters • Proficient Media Service • Teamer Strategy Group • The Collaborative and Xavier University.
Together, we’re confronting power, policies, and progress in Orleans Parish.
Join us for a series of crucial, high-impact debates that put our communities first.
Because leadership should be decided by the people — for the people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-orleans-city-council-district-c-debate-tickets-1538532364719

Bid to Win + Construction Management at Risk
2025-08-20 10:00 - 11:30
Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Wednesday, August 20, 10:00am-11:30am, for “Bid to Win + Construction Management at Risk”. This virtual session is a part of a series of monthly events in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s DBE Supportive Services program.
Construction firms understand that hard work has to happen before a single shovel ever hits the ground during the continuous construction-bid-proposal process. Submitting effective proposals and winning bids is at the heart of what contractors do and developing this as a core competency is critical to building a profitable and sustainable business.
For general contractors, a bid-to-win rate of one out of six is standard, and many see less of a conversion rate. During this session, contractors will learn best practices for developing a competitive proposal, including: positioning the firm to move quickly on submitting bid proposals, creating a winning scope sheet, developing and offering a value proposition, and putting your plans into action.
In addition, participants, will gain an understanding of the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method which entails a commitment by the Construction Manager (CM) to deliver the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) which is based on the construction documents and specifications at the time of the GMP.
Facilitator: Frank Johnson, Director, Contractor’s Resource Center, Urban League of Louisiana
There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Email us at WBRC@urbanleaguela.org for any issues receiving it.

By The People: Council Seat D
2025-08-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Dillard University – Georges Auditorium, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA, 70122
The “By The People” Debate Series, a dynamic, community-powered platform uplifting the voices, needs, and priorities of Black and Brown New Orleanians, kicks off August 12 with City Council District A and concludes with the Mayoral Debate on September 9.
Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana in partnership with: Ashé Cultural Arts Center • Black Voters Matter • C.O.P. • Eternal Seeds • GNOHA • Krewe of Themis • Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition • NAACP – New Orleans • National Coalition of 100 Black Women • New Orleans NPHC • NOLA HBCU Alumni Association • The Links, Inc. – Crescent City, Orleans, and Pontchartrain Chapters • Proficient Media Service • Teamer Strategy Group • The Collaborative and Xavier University.
Together, we’re confronting power, policies, and progress in Orleans Parish.
Join us for a series of crucial, high-impact debates that put our communities first.
Because leadership should be decided by the people — for the people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-orleans-city-council-district-d-debate-tickets-1538558502899

WIN with NOENMCC Workshop: The Procurement Playbook
2025-08-22 09:30 - 12:00 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
You must register here in order to attend.
Register today for the “WIN with NOENMCC Workshop: The Procurement Playbook”, hosted by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Small and Emerging Business Program and the Urban League of Louisiana, on Friday, August 22, 2025, 9:30am-12:00pm, at NOENMCC, 900 Convention Center Blvd., Meeting Room 267, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Some of the biggest obstacles for small businesses seeking to win public and private procurement opportunities are mistakes related to estimating project costs, and challenges in submitting an accurate and complete bid package on time. During Volume 1 of this interactive workshop series, Small and Emerging Businesses that provide general contracting or specialized construction services including HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, or janitorial services will learn:

how to do business with NOENMCC,
essential skills in electronic estimating,
best practices in bid preparation, and
step-by-step guidance and tips on how to successfully bid on NOENMCC projects.

After completion of this workshop, participants will leave with the foundational skills and the confidence to start bidding to WIN! Participants should come prepared with a capabilities statement and a laptop fully-charged and ready for use during the session.
This interactive workshop will be facilitated by Frank Johnson, Director, Contractor’s Resource Center, Urban League of Louisiana, and Courtney Elzey, Principal, MCDS, LLC.
There is no cost to attend, however, you must register here in order to attend.
Click here for Complimentary Parking in Lot F.

QuickBooks for Beginners - S3: Accounting Concepts & Maintenance Tasks
2025-08-25 17:30 - 19:30
As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is the time to get the education and support that you need to set up your accounting system and processes the right way.
Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation department on August 11, 18, and 25, from 5:30pm-7:30pm CST, for its 3-part “QuickBooks Online for Beginners” series. During this series, participants will 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. Registration is required for each session.
The series includes the following workshops:

Session 1: Foundations – Get Started and Setup the Right Way
Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports
Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts & Maintenance Tasks

QuickBooks Online – Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts and Maintenance Tasks You Must Know
Monday, August 25 | 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 operations.
Facilitator: Bridget Kaigler, CPA, CGMA, Principal, Bringing Leadership Back, LLC and Board Chair, Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA)
This series is funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and sponsored by Mastercard 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 https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.

By The People: Council Seat E
2025-08-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, 8282 I-10 Service Rd, New Orleans, LA, 70126
The “By The People” Debate Series, a dynamic, community-powered platform uplifting the voices, needs, and priorities of Black and Brown New Orleanians, kicks off August 12 with City Council District A and concludes with the Mayoral Debate on September 9.
Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana in partnership with: Ashé Cultural Arts Center • Black Voters Matter • C.O.P. • Eternal Seeds • GNOHA • Krewe of Themis • Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition • NAACP – New Orleans • National Coalition of 100 Black Women • New Orleans NPHC • NOLA HBCU Alumni Association • The Links, Inc. – Crescent City, Orleans, and Pontchartrain Chapters • Proficient Media Service • Teamer Strategy Group • The Collaborative and Xavier University.
Together, we’re confronting power, policies, and progress in Orleans Parish.
Join us for a series of crucial, high-impact debates that put our communities first.
Because leadership should be decided by the people — for the people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-orleans-city-council-district-e-debate-tickets-1538571411509

By The People: City Councilmember At-Large, Division 1
2025-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashe Cultural Ars Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70113
The “By The People” Debate Series, a dynamic, community-powered platform uplifting the voices, needs, and priorities of Black and Brown New Orleanians, kicks off August 12 with City Council District A and concludes with the Mayoral Debate on September 9.
Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana in partnership with: Ashé Cultural Arts Center • Black Voters Matter • C.O.P. • Eternal Seeds • GNOHA • Krewe of Themis • Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition • NAACP – New Orleans • National Coalition of 100 Black Women • New Orleans NPHC • NOLA HBCU Alumni Association • The Links, Inc. – Crescent City, Orleans, and Pontchartrain Chapters • Proficient Media Service • Teamer Strategy Group • The Collaborative and Xavier University.
Together, we’re confronting power, policies, and progress in Orleans Parish.
Join us for a series of crucial, high-impact debates that put our communities first.
Because leadership should be decided by the people — for the people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-orleans-city-council-at-large-division-1-debate-tickets-1538573698349

Magnetic Marketing: Session 1: Brand Foundation & Strategic Direction
2025-09-05 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard.
This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals – with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools – using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation.
Session 1: Brand Foundation & Strategic Direction
Friday, September 5, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm
During this session, participants will learn how to define who they are, what they offer, and why it matters.
This session will cover:

Your Story, Mission, and Vision
Core Values and Brand Voice
Company Messaging
Defining Your Target Audience
The Strategic Marketing Plan

This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC.
This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program.
Visit https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today!
If you’re planning to strengthen your brand presence and grow your small business, this series is for you. Register today for each session individually to reserve your spot! There is no cost to attend this series. All classes will be held online via the GoToWebinar online platform.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Email us at WBRC@urbanleaguela.org for any issues receiving it.

By The People: Orleans Parish Assessor
2025-09-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Ashe Cultural Ars Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70113
The “By The People” Debate Series, a dynamic, community-powered platform uplifting the voices, needs, and priorities of Black and Brown New Orleanians, kicks off August 12 with City Council District A and concludes with the Mayoral Debate on September 9.
Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana in partnership with: Ashé Cultural Arts Center • Black Voters Matter • C.O.P. • Eternal Seeds • GNOHA • Krewe of Themis • Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition • NAACP – New Orleans • National Coalition of 100 Black Women • New Orleans NPHC • NOLA HBCU Alumni Association • The Links, Inc. – Crescent City, Orleans, and Pontchartrain Chapters • Proficient Media Service • Teamer Strategy Group • The Collaborative and Xavier University.
Together, we’re confronting power, policies, and progress in Orleans Parish.
Join us for a series of crucial, high-impact debates that put our communities first.
Because leadership should be decided by the people — for the people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-orleans-assessors-debate-tickets-1538578683259

By The People: Mayoral Debate
2025-09-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Xavier University of Louisiana Convocation Center, 7900 Stroelitz St., New Orleans, LA, 70125
The “By The People” Debate Series, a dynamic, community-powered platform uplifting the voices, needs, and priorities of Black and Brown New Orleanians, kicks off August 12 with City Council District A and concludes with the Mayoral Debate on September 9.
Hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana in partnership with: Ashé Cultural Arts Center • Black Voters Matter • C.O.P. • Eternal Seeds • GNOHA • Krewe of Themis • Lower 9th Ward Voters Coalition • NAACP – New Orleans • National Coalition of 100 Black Women • New Orleans NPHC • NOLA HBCU Alumni Association • The Links, Inc. – Crescent City, Orleans, and Pontchartrain Chapters • Proficient Media Service • Teamer Strategy Group • The Collaborative and Xavier University.
Together, we’re confronting power, policies, and progress in Orleans Parish.
Join us for a series of crucial, high-impact debates that put our communities first.
Because leadership should be decided by the people — for the people.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-orleans-mayoral-debate-tickets-1538585202759

Magnetic Marketing: Session 2: Crafting Your Unique Message & Market Fit
2025-09-12 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard.
This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals – with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools – using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation.
Session 2: Crafting Your Unique Message & Market Fit
Friday, Sept 12, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm
During this session, participants will learn how to develop a strong Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and clear customer targeting.
This session will cover:

Market problems → Solution Benefits
Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition
Crafting a compelling elevator pitch
Introduction to the Customer Decision Journey
Ideal Customer and Target Market

This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC.
This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program.
Visit https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today!
If you’re planning to strengthen your brand presence and grow your small business, this series is for you. Register today for each session individually to reserve your spot! There is no cost to attend this series. All classes will be held online via the GoToWebinar online platform.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Email us at WBRC@urbanleaguela.org for any issues receiving it.

Magnetic Marketing: Session 3: Website Strategy & SEO Essentials
2025-09-19 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard.
This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals – with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools – using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation.
Session 3: Website Strategy & SEO Essentials
Friday, September 19, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm
During this session, participants will learn how to evaluate and strengthen their website presence and performance.
This session will cover:

Website must-haves
Calls to Action (CTAs) that convert
SEO 101
Outlining a website improvement plan

This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC.
This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program.
Visit https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today!
If you’re planning to strengthen your brand presence and grow your small business, this series is for you. Register today for each session individually to reserve your spot! There is no cost to attend this series. All classes will be held online via the GoToWebinar online platform.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Email us at WBRC@urbanleaguela.org for any issues receiving it.

Multi-Industry Career & Resource Expo
2025-09-24 10:00 - 15:00 | Urban League of Louisiana HQ, 4640 S. Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70119, United States
Join us for the Multi-Industry Apprenticeship Career & Resource Expo, held in partnership with the National Urban League, the Louisiana Community & Technical Colleges System, Greater New Orleans, Inc., and the H2theFuture Project, in recognition of National Workforce Development Month 2025.
Learn about future opportunities for education and training related to clean and renewable energy and hydrogen jobs, automotive, line worker, cyber security, skilled craft trades, and more. Talk directly with employers who are hiring and the educational institutions providing training to help you join the energy workforce.

Creating a Business Development Plan for Your Construction Business
2025-09-25 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Thursday, September 25, 10:00am-11:30am, for “Opportunity and Preparation: Creating a Business Development Plan for Your Construction Business.” This virtual session is a part of a series of monthly workshops hosted in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s DBE Supportive Services program.
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.
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 be facilitated by Courtney Elzey, Principal, MCDS, LLC.
There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the training.

Magnetic Marketing: Session 4: Social Media & Content Strategy
2025-09-26 10:00 - 12:00
oin the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard.
This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals – with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools – using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation.
Session 4: Social Media & Content Strategy
Friday, September 26, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm
During this session, participants will learn how to plan and align content with brand and customer journey.
This session will cover:

How to choose the right social media platforms
Defining content pillars and voice consistency
Content calendars & batching content
Tracking engagement

This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC.
This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program.
Visit https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today!
If you’re planning to strengthen your brand presence and grow your small business, this series is for you. Register today for each session individually to reserve your spot! There is no cost to attend this series. All classes will be held online via the GoToWebinar online platform.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Email us at WBRC@urbanleaguela.org for any issues receiving it.

Magnetic Marketing: Session 5: Email, Ads, & Budget Planning
2025-10-03 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard.
This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals – with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools – using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation.
Session 5: Email, Ads, & Budget Planning
Friday, October 3, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm
During this session, participants will learn how to build connection and conversion through outreach strategies.
This session will cover:

Lead magnets, list-building, and email funnels
Paid Ads: where to start, boosting vs. strategy
Marketing Budget planning
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Mailchimp & Meta Ad Manager basics

This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC.
This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program.
Visit https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today!
If you’re planning to strengthen your brand presence and grow your small business, this series is for you. Register today for each session individually to reserve your spot! There is no cost to attend this series. All classes will be held online via the GoToWebinar online platform.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Email us at WBRC@urbanleaguela.org for any issues receiving it.

Magnetic Marketing: Session 6: Analytics, KPIs & Action Plan
2025-10-10 10:00 - 12:00
Join the Urban League of Louisiana this September and October for the 6-part marketing series, “Magnetic Marketing: Leveraging the Power of AI to Grow Your Small Business,” sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and Mastercard.
This series is designed to guide small business owners and marketing leaders through a structured, hands-on process of building a strategic, actionable marketing plan that aligns with your business goals – with a focus on brand development, digital marketing, customer engagement, and AI tools – using Orhan McMillan’s Strategic Marketing Workbook as a foundation.
Session 6: Pulling It All Together: Analytics, KPIs & Action Plan
Friday, October 10, 2025 I 10:00am-12:00pm
During this session, participants will finalize their marketing strategy and set up a 30-day plan
This session will cover:

Workshop Review
Campaign mapping: What to launch, how to measure
Finalizing your strategic marketing plan
30-day Action Plan

This session will be facilitated by Orhan McMillan, Founder, dezinsINTERACTIVE and Orhan McMillan, LLC.
This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program, and funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. To participate, attendees must be or become certified by the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program.
Visit https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today!
If you’re planning to strengthen your brand presence and grow your small business, this series is for you. Register today for each session individually to reserve your spot! There is no cost to attend this series. All classes will be held online via the GoToWebinar online platform.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Email us at WBRC@urbanleaguela.org for any issues receiving it.
