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 Management 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. 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, but registration is required, so register today!

Join the Urban League of Louisiana's Contractor's Resource Center for its 3-part, signature series, the "Construction Law Academy." It is imperative that construction contractors learn the key legal requirements that impact their business. This series will focus on understanding contract terms, partnering agreements and employment law. This series is sponsored by Chevron. Session 1: Understanding and Negotiating Contract Terms Tuesday, February 23 | 5:30-7:30p Session Presenter: Denise C. Puente - Partner at Simon, Peragine, Smith, & Redfearn, L.L.P. During this session, participants will learn some of the most common pitfalls in contract management and obtain guidance on how to avoid them through due diligence, preparation, and effective communications. Topics discussed include: Change Orders, Abandonment, Warranties, Termination, Unenforceable, etc. 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/1550087507608084749. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Join the Urban League of Louisiana's Contractor's Resource Center for its 3-part, signature series, the "Construction Law Academy." It is imperative that construction contractors learn the key legal requirements that impact their business. This series will focus on understanding contract terms, partnering agreements and employment law. This series is sponsored by Chevron. Session 2: What Contractors Need to Know about Employment Law Wednesday, February 24 | 5:30-7:30p Session Presenter: E. Fredrick Preis, Jr. - Partner at Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, L.L.P., New Orleans It is vitally important that entrepreneurs in construction become aware of and comply with the employment laws that are relevant to the industry. During this session, hear from an experienced employment law attorney about updates to employment law and how your business may be impacted. This session will also help to dispel the many employment law myths that exist, particularly relating to contractors vs. employees, and overtime and minimum wage laws. 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/5781743824569238285. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and the City of Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge Parish recognize the challenges that local businesses are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the short-term financial needs of microenterprises and small businesses, the Resilient Restart EBR: Small Business Micro-grants Program offers one-time, micro-grants of $2,500 to eligible entities that have been impacted by COVID-19. Recipients may use these funds for rent, utilities, inventory, accounts payable, fixed costs, employee wages and benefits. To learn more about Resilient Restart EBR, please join us on February 25th from 10:00-11:30a CT for a special webinar session. During this session, potential applicants will learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements and the application process. If you have questions about the required documentation, we encourage you to join. To register for this event, please click here. Additional sessions will be held as well. This program is activated by the CARES Act through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program with additional funding from Investar Bank, GMFS LLC, Postelthwaite & Netterville, and ExxonMobil Baton Rouge. This program is being administered by the Urban League of Louisiana. There is no cost to attend this informational […]

Join the Urban League of Louisiana's Contractor's Resource Center for its 3-part, signature series, the "Construction Law Academy." It is imperative that construction contractors learn the key legal requirements that impact their business. This series will focus on understanding contract terms, partnering agreements and employment law. This series is sponsored by Chevron. Session 3: Increasing Capacity through Partnering Agreements Thursday, February 25 | 5:30-7:30p Session Presenter: Daya Naef, Attorney and Legal Consultant, Daya Naef, LLC During this session, attendees will gain 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. 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/6712390257528564237. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

In honor of Black History Month, GNO, Inc., in partnership with the Urban League of Louisiana and New Orleans Regional Black Chambers of Commerce, is hosting a webinar to discuss the dynamic history of black entrepreneurship in the Greater New Orleans region on Friday, Feb. 26 from 11am-12pm. The webinar will include a presentation from Jonn Hankins, President of the New Orleans Master Crafts Guild and former Executive Director of the New Orleans African American Museum, and Malik Bartholomew, historian and owner of Know NOLA Tours, LLC. It will culminate with a fireside chat with the family of Oliver Bush Sr., the first Black man to own a Texaco service station in Louisiana, open a credit union in the Ninth Ward, and manage a Louisiana life insurance company. Register at https://gnoinc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_83zXjfz1RpmLxSABv6lrwQ

As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. The start of the New Year brings a new opportunity to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way. Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 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. At the close of the series, participants attending all 3 sessions will receive 6 hours of customized, one-on-one QuickBooks Online training and maintenance support from a Financial Advisor. This program is sponsored by the United Way Worldwide and BET COVID-19 Relief Effort. During this session, learn how to get started with QuickBooks Online and receive guidance on the entire setup process. Participants will learn how to how to add your business information, which accounting method to use, how to setup and pull data in from your bank, and so much more! This is a foundational course that will help you establish a solid baseline for your accounting system. This special session will be facilitated […]