Urban League of Louisiana

LADOTD: Understanding Contracting Requirements for LADOTD Projects
2022-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
Contractors doing business with the LADOTD must ensure compliance to the awarded construction contract. In addition, it also important to be aware of and understand the Construction Contract Administration Manual (CCA). The CCA Manual provides guidelines, regulations, references to standard specifications, Department Policies and Procedures, and other supporting documents that contractors should know in the bid and performance stages of the contracting process.
During this session, participants will learn about the most common components of a construction contract, highlights of the CCA Manual, and a review of the following documents: CS-6AAA commitment documentation, DBE/SBE supplier’s agreement, DBE/SBE trucker’s agreement, OMF-1a & OMF-2a forms, and the CP-1A.
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 informational webinar; however, you must be registered on GoToWebinar to participate. Please secure your spot today by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/620643948715364621 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

GiveNOLA Day 2022
2022-05-03
The 2022 GiveNOLA Day will take place Tuesday, May 3 from midnight to midnight.

Your donation on GiveNOLA Day will help us continue to be a leading organization in the fight against the challenges of the pandemic as well as assisting African Americans and other communities seeking equity to secure economic self-reliance, parity, and civil rights.

Mark your calendars for May 3 and we hope you can help us make a difference! If you would like to donate earlier, you can send in your donation starting Tuesday, April 19 and your donation will be processed on May 3.

Click here to bookmark our GiveNOLA Day site and donate on May 3

Second Chance Virtual Career & Resource Expo
2022-04-27 10:00 - 15:00
The Office of Workforce Development is hosting a Second Chance Virtual Career & Resource Expo for justice-involved/returning citizens. The expo will help assist qualified and professional candidates who are returning citizens seeking employment.

Register at https://urbanleaguela.org/virtual-job/

Resilient Restart EBR Grant Information Sessions
2022-04-26 - 2022-05-26
To meet the short-term financial needs of microenterprises and small businesses, the Resilient Restart EBR Program offers one-time, micro-grants of $2,500 to eligible entities that have been impacted by COVID-19.

Interested in applying for the Resilient Restart $2,500 grant? This program is activated by the federal CARES Act and administered through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program. As a federally funded program, in order to apply, eligible small businesses are required to have a DUNS number and must be registered on SAM.gov.

Join the Urban League of Louisiana starting next week for a special webinar to get step-by-step instructions on how to obtain a government DUNS number and how to register your business on SAM.gov.

Please note that all eligibility requirements must be met and all other supporting documents must be submitted in addition to the DUNS number and verification of the SAM registration.

For more information about the Resilient Restart EBR program, including eligibility requirements and required documents, please visit https://urbanleaguela.org/restartebr/.

Register for the Upcoming Informational Sessions (DAY – 12:00pm -1:00pm)
April 26: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8336247994891648271
May 24: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2331257543211699726

Register for the Upcoming Informational Sessions (EVENING – 5:15pm – 6:15pm)
May 5: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3665930518913129231
May 12: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/[REDACTED]
May 26: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/891796711336679184

LADOTD: Crew Management: Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining an All Star Team
2022-04-20 10:00 - 12:00
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!
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/4223380713757747725 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Early Giving for GiveNOLA Day
2022-04-19 - 2022-05-02
The 2022 GiveNOLA Day will take place Tuesday, May 3 from midnight to midnight. But you can give as early as April 19-May 2!

Your donation on GiveNOLA Day will help us continue to be a leading organization in the fight against the challenges of the pandemic as well as assisting African Americans and other communities seeking equity to secure economic self-reliance, parity, and civil rights.

Click here to make an early donation now!

Mock Job Interview Preparation
2022-04-13 10:00 - 14:00
Need help preparing for job interviews? The Urban League of Louisiana’s Office of Workforce Development will host mock interviews Wednesday, April 13 at 10:00am and 1:00pm to help prepare potential employees for how to best conduct a job interview. Register today at https://www.urbanleaguela.org/mock-interview

Register for Scale Up Summer 2022
2022-04-12 - 2022-05-03
The Urban League of Louisiana, in partnership with Capital One, will host its sixth cohort of Scale Up! Louisiana. This cohort is designated for small businesses in Terrebonne parish.

Scale Up! Louisiana is a statewide entrepreneurial education intensive hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. The program 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 in-person 11, 6-hour sessions, and 5 pre-recorded web sessions adhering to CDC, state, and city guidelines. Participants will receive technical assistance and other support services throughout the program.

Scale Up! Louisiana Cohort 6 is sponsored by Capital One, AARP, and Louisiana Economic Development.

Interested entrepreneurs must apply for the Scale Up! Louisiana program. The application deadline is Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 5:00p.m. CST and must be submitted online at https://tinyurl.com/2p8ce93m. For more information about the program and the full schedule, visit https://urbanleaguela.org/scale-up-la/.

Resume Writing Workshop
2022-04-06 10:00 - 14:00
Not sure if your resume is up to date? Want to make your resume stronger? The Urban League of Louisiana Office of Workforce Development will be hosting a Resume Writing Workshops on Wednesday, April 6 at 10:00 am. and 1:00pm. Sign up for a session now at https://www.urbanleaguela.org/resume-writing

Open Municipal Primary Election (March 26)
2022-03-26 07:00 - 20:00
More information here.

LADOTD: Opportunity and Preparation: Developing a Business Development Plan for Your Construction Business
2022-03-23 10:00 - 12:00
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!
All current and aspiring DBE contractors are welcome to attend. There is no cost to participate, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your seat!
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/579163772703446799 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

2021-22 Women in Business Challenge
2022-03-21 14:00 - 16:30
The Urban League of Louisiana is proud to host its 2021-22 Women in Business Challenge: Scale Up! on Monday, March 21, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm CST, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, Chevron, and AARP Louisiana. This year’s event is being held virtually during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW), March 21-25, 2022. NOEW the premier event celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in all its forms across the great city of New Orleans.

This annual pitch event is designed to prepare women-owned businesses with the education, tools, and resources needed to scale their businesses towards profitability and sustainability. The event will showcase the business potential of several of ULLA’s women-owned business clients to bankers, equity investors, and other potential resources.

This year’s event will feature four finalists who will pitch their plans to grow and scale their businesses for a chance to win $10,000 in funding. Congratulations to the finalists!

Sierra Dee, SugarLove Bakery
Twila McGee, NOLAs Finest Pets
Sherilyn Hayward, Leroy’s Lipsmack’n Lemonade
AnaMaria Bech, Viva NOLA Magazine

Register today to join us for this special event!

2022 Empowerment and Policy Conference
2022-03-16 08:30 - 2022-03-17 17:00
Registration is now open for the 2022 Empowerment and Policy Conference!
The conference is virtual and FREE to attend, but space will be limited.

Join us on March 16 & 17 as we explore this year’s theme: Equitable Sustainability: Building Louisiana’s Infrastructure Beyond Roads and Bridges.

The annual Empowerment and Policy Conference is a statewide convening designed to examine systems, influence policy decisions and enact changes that will positively impact the African American and other communities.

Register here. For more information, visit urbanleaguela.org/polcon2022

Building a Scalable, Agile, and Resilient Small Business
2022-03-11 10:00 - 12:00
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on small, minority-owned firms in our most vulnerable communities. While businesses seek to obtain critical resources such as emergency funding to survive during these crises, the need for minority-owned businesses to reconsider “what” business they should be doing and “how” they should be doing business is of the utmost importance.
Now, more than ever, small businesses have an opportunity to re-imagine, re-position, and re-charge their business models and operations towards becoming more scalable, agile, and resilient. During this session, entrepreneurs will gain insights on how to develop a strategy and plan of action to build operational leverage, flexibility, and sustainability.
Participants will learn:
– What scalability means related to growth and operational capacity
– Best practices for evaluating new business models and revenue streams that are responsive to changing market needs
– Considerations for new and improved processes and technology
– Insights on how to reorganize one’s business support model, including employees, suppliers, consultants, mentors, accountability partners, etc.
– How to best integrate risk management and continuous improvement strategies to increase organizational resilience
The session is funded by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). Facilitator: Desiree Young, Founder, VentureWalk
Register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1685980555468291851

Workforce Development Digital Skills Training
2022-02-21 - 2022-07-18
Click to register now.

Parent Charter Board Training
2022-02-16 18:00 - 2022-02-17 20:00
Join our Parent Information Center for a Parent Charter Board Training on Feb 16 and 17 from 6pm-8pm. This training will provide objectives and outcomes related to governance and board member responsibilities that will equip participants for proper service. Additionally, participants will garner the confidence to be effective and instrumental in creating positive change within the educational landscape.
To register, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqfuGqpzsuGtYaTjCil7zXj18enxF7OFlT

QuickBooks Online Training for Beginners
2022-02-15 17:30 - 2022-02-17 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 Women’s Business Resource Center for this special series 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. The 3-part series will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, February 15, 16, and 17, 5:30pm-7:30pm.

*Required SEBD Certification
In order to participate in this series, all attendees must be or become certified in Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program (SEBD). For more information about the SEBD Program, please visit www.opportunitylouisiana.com/sebd. To apply, please click here

Session 1: Foundations – Get Started and Setup the Right Way | 2/15
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/9054540248050467344

Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports | 2/16
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1151307842201370384

Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts & Maintenance Tasks | 2/17
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1508604041251898892

YP Reunion
2022-02-07 19:00 - 21:00
Here from ULLA President & CEO Judy Reese Morse followed by a panel of former YPs, Open House, and games.
Register here.

Advanced Marketing for Entrepreneurs (4 part series)
2022-01-27 12:30 - 2022-02-05 14:30
Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Women’s Business Resource Center for this informative series to learn best practices in marketing and branding for your small business!
This series will provide in-depth guidance for developing your brand strategy, leveraging digital marketing for maximum customer reach, understanding the customer buying process, and improving sales through customer service!
This 4-part series will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 25, 27, and February 1, 3, 12:30p-2:30pm. In order to participate in this series, all attendees must be or become certified in Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program (SEBD). For more information about the SEBD Program, please visit www.opportunitylouisiana.com/sebd. To apply, please click here.
Session 1: Brand Power!: Start with Your Why
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1528077491181892112
Session 2: Developing Your Digital Marketing Strategy
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7435084964152821005
Session 3: The Customer is King – Leveraging Your Customer Buying Process to Increase Sales
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7075021294335338767
Session 4: The Butterfly Effect: How to Increase Sales and Retain Customers by Improving Customer Service
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1734894528855233552

Municipal Election Day
2021-12-11 07:00 - 20:00
The General/Orleans Municipal Parochial General Election is December 11, 2021.
Visit urbanleaguela.org/vote for election information

Opportunities Outlook
2021-12-10 09:00 - 12:00
The Urban League of Louisiana’s Contractor’s Resource Center will host “Opportunities Outlook 2022” for DBE Contractors on Friday, December 10, 2021, 9:00am-12:00pm, virtually via GoToWebinar.
This annual event is held to support small and diverse 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. The following organizations have confirmed participation to date:

LA Department of Transportation and Development
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Regional Transit Authority
Woodward Design + Build
Kiewet/Boh
and more….

Chase Advancing Black Entrepreneurs - Marketing in a Digital World
2021-12-09 18:00 - 19:30
Advancing Black Entrepreneurs by Chase for Business provides a collection of practical resources to help Black business owners grow and scale their businesses. In partnership with Black Enterprise, the National Urban League, the U.S. Black Chambers, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, and the Boss Network, Advancing Black Entrepreneurs is launching a new education session — Marketing in a Digital World — to bring you insights into how you can help increase your brand awareness and build your online community.
In this 90-minute guided digital session, hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana, you’ll 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
Facilitator: Krystal Allen, Founder & CEO of K. Allen Consulting™
There is no cost to attend this session. Register today!
For Informational/Educational Purposes Only: These views may differ from other employees and departments of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone, and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions, and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. Deposit products and services provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

LADOTD: Contracting Requirements for LADOTD Projects + DBE Certification
2021-12-08 10:00 - 12:00
Contractors doing business with the LADOTD must ensure compliance to the awarded construction contract. In addition, is also important to be aware of and understand the Construction Contract Administration Manual (CCA). The CCA Manual provides guidelines, regulations, references to standard specifications, Department Policies and Procedures, and other supporting documents that contractors should know in the bid and performance stages of the contracting process.
During this session, participants will learn about the most common components of a construction contract, highlights of the CCA Manual, and a review of the following documents: CS-6AAA commitment documentation, DBE/SBE supplier’s agreement, DBE/SBE trucker’s agreement, OMF-1a & OMF-2a forms, and the CP-1A. This session will also include an overview of the LAUCP DBE Certification including eligibility requirements and the application process.
All current and aspiring DBE contractors are welcomed to attend. There is no cost to participate, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your seat!
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/6714183565389560589 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Early Vote for December Election
2021-11-27 08:30 - 2021-12-04 18:00
Early voting is Nov. 27 through Dec. 4 (excluding Sunday, Nov 28) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
To see where to early vote, visit urbanleaguela.org/vote

2021 Virtual Annual Gala
2021-11-20 18:00 - 21:00
Sign up for gala updates at https://urbanleaguela.org/gala-sign-up-2021/

Register to vote for December Election (online)
2021-11-20
The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Nov. 20

2021 Women’s Empowerment Convening
2021-11-19 10:00 - 12:30
In celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, the Urban League of Louisiana’s Women’s Business Resource Center invites you to attend its inaugural Women’s Empowerment Convening – Resilient Through it All on Friday, November 19, 10:00a-12:30pm, sponsored by AARP Louisiana.

During this virtual convening, aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs will hear from other female entrepreneurs who who have come from humble beginnings, remained resilient, and continue to grow and scale successful ventures. To make this event an interactive celebration, we are encouraging our panelists and attendees to wear shades of brownand/orpink.Brown is the official color for resilience and pink is the feminine touch.

The event will feature Urban League client, Maryam Henderson-Uloho. Maryam is the Founder & Director of SisterHearts Thrifty Collectibles and Decarceration Facility. Mrs. Uloho is a graduate of the ULLA Scale Up! Louisiana program and is the winner of the 2020 Women In Business Challenge. Other panelists include:

Courtney McWilliams, MaryMac’s Doggie Retreat
Fallon Evans, Skye’s Janitorial LLC
Courtney Elzey, MCDS, LLC
Kelsey Conner, Cake Face Soaping
Andrea Julien, Drea’ Designs, LLC
Sherilyn Hayward, Leroy’s LipSmack’n Lemonade
Dorothy Nairne, Delta Builds Enterprises
Krystal Allen, K. Allen Consulting
Christina Melancon, Ivy Vitality, LLC
Megan Kelly, Silk Me Kids

During the panel, learn about the entrepreneurial journeys of these dynamic women entrepreneurs. Panel questions can be submitted during registration or during the event.In addition, participants will gain tips on how to continue the 5 C’s of resilience for your business and personal life: Commitment, Confidence, Compassion, Centering, and Community.

The event will also feature remarks from Corinne Hodges, President & CEO of the Association of Women’s Business Centers(AWBC). AWBC is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1998. The AWBC works to secure economic justice and entrepreneurial opportunities for women by supporting and sustaining the national network of over 100 Women’s Business Centers (WBCs).

Join us on November 19th at 10:00am! There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. For questions, please contact Lori Jackson, Director, Women’s Business Resource Center at wbrc@urbanleaguela.org.

Register at https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/1603132352749101058

LADOTD: Access Capital for Transportation and Dev. Projects + DBE Cert.
2021-11-18 10:00 - 12:00
During this workshop, existing and aspiring DBE firms will learn the principles of estimating for developing winning bids, best practices in financial statements analysis, and important steps on how to best prepare to access capital.
This session will also include an overview of the LAUCP DBE Certification including eligibility requirements and the application process. All current and aspiring DBE contractors are welcomed to attend.
There is no cost to participate, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your seat!
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/6068667985303647501. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The Road To Fair Maps
2021-11-16 18:00 - 19:30
Join the ACLU of Louisiana and our partners for a night of nourishment, inspiration, and connection. Together, we will prepare to make our voices heard at the legislature’s redistricting public hearing at Southern University on Tuesday, November 16 at 6pm CT.
This event is hosted in partnership with Black Voters Matter, E Pluribus Unum, MetroMorphosis, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, Southern Poverty Law Center, Southern University Law Center’s Vulnerable Communities & Peoples Initiative, and Urban League of Louisiana.
If you have any questions please contact Maggy Baccinelli at mbaccinelli@laaclu.org.
Register at https://action.aclu.org/webform/la-road-to-fair-maps-baton-rouge

Virtual Conversation on New Social Studies Standards
2021-11-16 18:00 - 19:00
Education advocates, parents, students, educators, Louisiana residents who care about education equity – this conversation is for you!

The Louisiana Department of Education is in the process of receiving public comment on new Louisiana Social Studies Standards. This virtual conversation will help you make sense of the new standards, understand why they are important, and help you prepare to offer your own public comment. What do the standards mean for our students? Why do we keep hearing about Critical Race Theory in relation to the new standards? There is a lot to unpack – so don’t miss it!

The virtual conversation will feature a panel of education leaders including:

Dr. Rashida Govan, Executive Director, New Orleans Youth Alliance
Ciara Hart, 8th grade History Teacher and Social Emotional Learning Coordinator, Kenilworth Science and Technology School
Jaleesa Jones, M.Ed., East Baton Rouge Parish School System District-Wide Literacy Specialist
Tiffanye McCoy-Thomas, Ph.D., District Curriculum Supervisor – Social Studies, East Baton Rouge Parish School System; Social Studies Curriculum Writer, LDOE
Rep. Tammy Phelps, Louisiana House of Representative, District 03
Dr. Allisyn L. Swift, Associate Director, Equity in Schools, Beloved Community

Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zkBAT0pqRP-zvtlEmbquZw
