Urban League of Louisiana

Product Matters: Strategies for Managing Your Supply Chain During and After a Disruption
2022-06-24 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | LA
Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, on Friday, June 24th, 10:00am-12:00pm, to gain insights on the managing your supply chain before, during, and after a disruption. This online session is sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
During a health or environmental crisis, supply chain disruptions create scary and uncertain times, especially for small business owners. These disruptions draw attention to supply chain dependencies that you may otherwise not be aware of when everything is operating under normal circumstances. The COVID-19 global pandemic has caused a major upheaval in the supply chains of many businesses in the United States and North America.
When supply chains are disrupted small businesses must have a plan to sustain operations and be able to access alternative sources of supply when possible. This session will provide product-based businesses with key learnings in managing before, during, and after a disruption, including: managing inventory, identifying alternative sources of supply or distributors, and strategies for transitioning to complimentary services when supplies are not available. Key topics include:

Understanding how supply chains work
6 types of supply chain disruptions
Uncovering your supply chain dependencies
10 tactics for preparing for disruptions
7 steps to take after a disruption as occurred

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/7657859216782382096. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

QuickBooks Online – Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Tasks and Maintenance
2022-06-28 17:30 - 19:30 | LA
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 Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation for this special 3-part 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. This series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business.
Please join us for the third session of QuickBooks Online, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Registration is required for each session.
Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Tasks and Maintenance
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 and read the three primary financial reports, how to reconcile accounts, and create custom fields.
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/4920385325894127375. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

LADOTD: How to Find and Successfully Bid on LADOTD Projects
2022-07-20 10:00 - 12:00 | LA
Please register for “LADOTD: How to Find and Successfully Bid on LADOTD Projects + DBE Certification” by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/130578422076204811 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
DBE contractor firms seeking to do business with the Louisiana Department of Transportation must develop an internal process to identify, assess, and determine the firm’s capacity to meet the performance requirements of potential bid opportunities. In addition, DBE contractors must be proactive in identifying upcoming bid opportunities so that maximum time and effort can be put towards developing a winning proposal.
During this session, contractor firms will learn how to view upcoming LADOTD letting opportunities and the associated Construction Proposal Documents. Participants will also learn how to view LADOTD projects to be let in the next 12 months, how to read proposal documents, and how to ensure that you are ready to bid (Online Bidder Registration, List of Prospective Bidders, etc.).
This session will also include an overview of the LAUCP DBE Certification including eligibility requirements and the application process.
All existing and aspiring DBE contractors are encouraged to attend.
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/130578422076204811. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Disaster Preparedness Series: Understanding and Managing Your Insurance Coverage
2022-07-21 10:00 - 11:00 | LA
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 21st, 10:00am-12:00pm, for “Session 1: Understanding and Managing Your Insurance Coverage”. During this session, participants will gain an understanding of their insurance policy and legal rights, and key insights on the reassessment of property upgrades, recoverable depreciation, and personal vs. business interruption insurance. Please come with your questions as time as been allocated for Q&A.
Guest Speaker: Patrick Bell, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Diversity & Opportunity, Louisiana Department of Insurance
There is no cost to participate, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot!

Disaster Preparedness Series: Emergency Funding Opportunities with the SBA and FEMA
2022-07-28 13:00 - 15:00 | LA
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 financial management documents that you need to have available to access emergency funds if the need arises. Please come with your questions as time as been allocated for Q&A.
Guest Speakers include:
· Rubby Douglas, Section Chief, Preparedness Section, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
· Jo Ann Lawrence, Deputy Director, Louisiana District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration
· Susheel Kumar, Public Information Officer, Office of Disaster Assistance, Field Operations Center – West, U.S. Small Business Administration
· Moderator: Lori Jackson, Director, Women’s Business Resource Center, ULLA

There’s An App for That!: The Best Business Apps for Entrepreneurs
2022-07-29 10:00 - 11:30 | LA
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 receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

2022 Start Up! Louisiana (9-Session Series)
2022-08-01 17:30 - 2022-08-29 20:00 | LA
Please note that this is a multiple-day online training series via GoToTraining and cannot be split.

Start Up! Louisiana is a 9-part, online entrepreneurial training program hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Classes take place August 1st through August 29th, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. See class schedule below. This series is sponsored by Wells Fargo.
During the program, new business owners will learn how to start and grow their businesses the right way! Participants will learn best practices and gain key insights on building a solid foundation for business success. Topics include:

Developing your entrepreneurial mindset
Using the ‘Lean Start-up Model’ to develop your business model
Understanding and utilizing your business financials
Effectively marketing to your target customer
Preparing to access capital
and more!

Participants are also eligible to receive individual business counseling and access to other support services and resources needed to launch and grow successfully.
There is no cost to attend this series. Once registered, participants, will receive join links for each session from GoToTraining.
Ready to get started? Register today to reserve your spot!
Start Up! Louisiana – Fall 2022 Class Schedule (5:30pm -8:00pm)

Monday, August 1 | Session 1: Becoming an Entrepreneur
Wednesday, August 3 | Session 2: The Lean Start-up Model

Monday, August 8 | Session 3: Understanding Business Financials
Wednesday, August 10 | Session 4: The Customer Decision Journey

Monday, August 15 | Session 5: Marketing Your Business
Wednesday, August 17 | Session 6: Exceptional Customer Service

Monday, August 22 | Session 7: Forecasting 101
Wednesday, August 24 | Session 8: Preparing to Access Capital

Monday, August 29 | Session 9: Start Up! Louisiana Plan of Action

If you should have any questions, please email us at WBRC@UrbanLeagueLA.org.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/start-up-louisiana-fall-2022-9-session-series-tickets-385836757127

Disaster Preparedness Series: Identify and Respond to Disaster-related Contracting Opportunities
2022-08-04 13:00 - 15:00 | LA
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 state procurement contracts. Attendees will also gain insights on how to best pivot your business to respond to disaster contracts. Please come with your questions as time as been allocated for Q&A.
Guest Speakers include:
· Jo Ann Lawrence, Deputy Director, Louisiana District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration
· Paula Roddy, DOTD Program Director, Compliance Program Section, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
· Christina Dayries, Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
· Moderator: Frank Johnson, Senior Business Advisor, Contractor Specialist, ULLA

2022 Annual Gala
2022-08-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70130, United States
Join us for the Urban League of Louisiana 2022 Annual Gala: Impacting Change For Good on SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2022 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Benefactors Reception begins at 6:00 p.m. and the Gala starts at 7:00 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Gina Brown & Anutha Level and the Royal Essence Band. Honorees include Gail Etienne, Tessie Prevost, and Leona Tate, Rise St. James, the Baton Rouge NAACP, and The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.

To RSVP: click here

SBA: Business, Procurement, and Funding Matters Roundtable
2022-08-09 11:30 - 13:30 | The Building, 1427 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70113
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!

Best Practices in Corporate Contracting: Capacity-building and Entrepreneurial Leadership Training for Small Businesses
2022-08-12 10:00 - 2022-08-26 11:30 | LA
Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation for its 3-part, signature series, the “Best Practices in Corporate Contracting” sponsored by Chevron. This series will provide entrepreneurs who are seeking corporate clients with best practices for building the financial and operational capacity required to do business with medium- to large-sized corporations.
Session 1: Capacity Building for Corporate Contracts – Part 1
Friday, August 12 | 10:00am-11:30am
Facilitator: Lakeisha Robichaux, Lakeisha Robichaux, LLC
As small businesses set their site on growth, it is imperative that capacity building strategies be deployed to ensure that your firm can effectively and efficiently manage larger contracts. Access to these larger contracting opportunities is important, but the benefit is null and void if you do not have the capacity to meet the expectations of larger, more complex opportunities.
During this session, learn specific strategies for building financial and operational capacity, including:
-Attracting and retaining high-quality workers
-Controlling operating costs and scalability
-Improving internal controls such as financial systems, inventory and human resource management platforms
Register For Session One
Session 2: Capacity Building for Corporate Contracts – Part 2
Friday, August 19 | 10:00am-11:30am
Facilitator: Nenette Gray, Lemonade Creative Marketing
During Part 2 of “Capacity Building for Corporate Contracts”, participants will gain insights into additional strategies for building financial and operational capacity to meet the needs of larger, more complex projects for corporations.
Topics include:
-Cost estimating and proposal preparation
-Improving project management Skills
-Managing project risks
-Complying with industry regulations
Register For Session Two
Session 3: Leveraging Small Business Certifications
Thursday, August 26 | 10:00am-11:30am
Facilitator: De Asa Nichols, Global Impact Group Solutions
This series will conclude with a look at the various small business certifications that are available to women and minority-owned firms with insights into which certifications best fit the goals of the firm. The Minority Business Enterprise, Women-owned Business Enterprise, and Veteran-owned Business certifications will be discussed.
Register For Session Three
Meet the Facilitators:
Lakeisha Robichaux
President & CEO
Lakeisha Robichaux, LLC and Chief of Minds
Nenette Lusk Gray
President & CEO
Lemonade Creative Marketing
De Asa Nichols
President & CEO
Global Impact Group Solutions

Voice of the Community Small Business Roundtables
2022-08-18 - 2022-08-30 | LA
Join the Urban League of Louisiana (ULLA) as we host a series of “Voice of the Community” (VOC) Roundtables in select cities across the state!
These community-based events will be used to gain valuable insights on the challenges impacting small businesses across the state of Louisiana. The goal of these convenings is to hear directly from entrepreneurs about challenges, gaps, opportunities, and resource needs and to leverage this information to create, mobilize, and enhance ULLA’s small business support services across the state.
These meetings are hosted as a part of the Urban League of Louisiana’s SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with the National Urban League. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Masks are highly encouraged. Refreshments will be provided at each session.
Register for Hammond
Thursday, August 18th | 12:00pm-2:00pm
The Safe Haven Community Center
700 Martin Luther King Avenue Hammond, LA 70401
Register for Lake Charles
Tuesday, August 23rd | 12:00pm-2:00pm
SEED Center Business Incubator
4310 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA 70605

Register for Shreveport
Wednesday, August 24th | 6:00pm-8:00pm
The Office Hub
331 Milam Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
Register for Baton Rouge
Tuesday, August 30th | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Miss Vicki’s Southern Kitchen
7323 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Marketing in a Digital World
2022-08-25 17:00 - 18:30 | LA
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
2022-09-07 | LA
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
2022-09-21 10:00 - 12:00 | LA
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 to reserve your spot!
All existing and aspiring DBE contractors are encouraged to attend.
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/2819950878267535883. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Financial Fitness: Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order
2022-09-23 10:00 - 12:00 | LA
Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, on Friday, September 23rd, 10:00am-12:00pm, to gain insights on getting your business finances in order! This online session is sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
So you’ve launched your business! Congratulations! But now you realize that you don’t quite have the financial know-how to really make your business successful. There’s so much that you don’t understand, and you don’t know what you don’t know. No worries though! Now is the time to get your finances in order! During this session, small business owners will learn:

The basics of how money works
The importance of understanding your financial statements
How to make better business decisions using your financial data
How to build your personal and business credit
Why it is imperative that you build a solid financial management system now

Facilitator: Jordain Franklin, BetterBooks Accounting Solutions, LLC
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/3899862613462756366. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Construction Law: S3 - What Contractors Need to Know about Employment Law
2022-09-27 17:30 - 19:30 | LA
Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Contractor’s Resource Center for its signature 3-part series, the “Construction Law Academy”, sponsored by Chevron. As a construction contractor, it is imperative that you understand the key elements of contract law that may impact your business. This series will focus on understanding contract terms, partnering agreements and employment law.
The Construction Law Academy will take place virtually on Tuesdays, September 13, 20, and 27, 5:30pm-7:30pm. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot! Registration must be completed separately for each session.
Session 3: What Contractors Need to Know about Employment Law
Tuesday, September 27 | 5:30pm-7:30pm | Register for Session 3
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/6920160584405651472. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Apply for Young Adult Reentry Program
2022-10-18 - 2022-11-30 | LA
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

QuickBooks Online – Session 1: Get Started and Setup the Right Way
2022-10-18 17:30 - 19:30 | LA
As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is a great time to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way! Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 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. This 3-part series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business.
QuickBooks Online – Session 1: Foundations – Get Started and Setup the Right Way
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 | 5:30pm-7:30pm
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.
Course Facilitator: Lori Jackson, MSC Financial Services
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/8503585970382726160. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

LADOTD: Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining an All Star Team
2022-10-19 10:00 - 12:00 | LA
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 contractors are encouraged to attend.
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/6726156151453439504 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

QuickBooks Online – Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports
2022-10-19 17:30 - 19:30 | LA
As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is a great time to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way! Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 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. This 3-part series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business.
QuickBooks Online – Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 | 5:30pm-7:30pm
During this session, participants will learn how to process transactions QuickBooks Online. As a business owner, this is imperative in understanding your sales and expenses, and managing your cash flow. Participants will learn how to customize invoices, create sales receipts, receive and pay money. For those that sell products, this session will also cover how to use QuickBooks Online to track inventory and sales taxes.
Course Facilitator: Lori Jackson, MSC Financial Services
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/6076695527043999248. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

QuickBooks Online – Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts and Maintenance
2022-10-20 17:30 - 19:30 | LA
As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is a great time to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way! Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 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. This 3-part series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business.
QuickBooks Online – Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts and Maintenance Tasks You Must Know
Thursday, October 20, 2022 | 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.
Course Facilitator: Lori Jackson, MSC Financial Services
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/6188355330891205392. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Early Voting Begins
2022-10-25 - 2022-11-01 | LA
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
2022-11-04 10:00 - 12:00 | LA
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
Colleen Broussard-Perry, Procurement Counselor, LA PTAC, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Solomon Lee IV, Program Manager, Small Business Services, LED (Louisiana Veterans First Initiative)
+ More

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/2859709223935759120 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Open Congressional Primary Election (Nov 8)
2022-11-08 06:00 - 20:00 | LA
More information here.

Master Your Card: Looking for the Right Payment Processor?
2022-11-08 12:00 - 13:30 | LA
Looking for the Right Payment Processor for Your Small Business? Here’s What You Need to Know
The Mastercard “Master Your Card” program provides resources and tools for people of all ages, as well as new business owners, to better understand the value of electronic payments and how to use them more efficiently, so they can leverage this technology to make the most of their money.
Small business owners are invited to join the Urban League of Louisiana on Tuesday, November 8th, 12:00pm-1:30pm, virtually, to learn how to best identify and manage a relationship with the right payment processor. This session is sponsored by Mastercard, and the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program in collaboration with the National Urban League.
This session will feature the following Master Your Card topics:

Choosing the Right Card Processor – As you get started with card acceptance, make sure you understand the processing system.
Getting the Best Deal for Your Business – Negotiating with processors shouldn’t be tricky — learn about tips and best practices for getting the best contract for your business.
Six Steps to a Successful Relationship with Your Payment Processors – Maintaining a good relationship with your payment processor is an important part of your business financial health.
Understanding Your Merchant Processing Agreement – Your Merchant Processing Agreement (MPA) is something people often get hung up on. But don’t worry! We will help explain how you can ensure you understand your MPA and ask the right questions.
Who’s Who Among Payment Processors – Choosing a payment processor for your business doesn’t have to be daunting. During this session, we discuss “who’s who” among payment processors so you feel empowered to choose the path that’s right for you.

At the completion of this session, participants will also learn how to access the full Master Your Card curriculum as well as the Digital Doors platform.
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/7358748077407210508. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Boots to Business: Reboot for Veteran Entrepreneurs
2022-11-09 10:00 - 14:00 | AARP Community Resource Center, 3502 S. Carrollton Avenue, Suite C, New Orleans, LA, 70118
Join the Urban League of Louisiana for “Boots to Business: Reboot for Veteran Entrepreneurs and Spouses”! This event is hosted in collaboration with the Veterans Business Outreach Center – Mississippi State University, and sponsored by AARP.
Boots to Business: Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, the path to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. Reboot extends the entrepreneurship training to veterans of all eras, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and military spouses in their communities.
The session will take place on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 10:00am-2:00pm, at the AARP Community Resource Center, 3502 S. Carrollton Avenue, Suite C, New Orleans, LA 70118.
There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot! Remember, this session is open to veterans and spouses.
Questions? Please email us at cei@urbanleaguela.org.

QuickBooks Online – Session 1: Get Started and Setup the Right Way
2022-11-14 17:30 - 19:30 | LA
As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is a great time to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way! Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 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. This 3-part series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business.
QuickBooks Online – Session 1: Foundations – Get Started and Setup the Right Way
Monday, November 14, 2022 | 5:30pm-7:30pm
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.
Course Facilitator: Lori Jackson, MSC Financial Services
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/3885288590679780624. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

QuickBooks Online – Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports
2022-11-15 17:30 - 19:30 | LA
As a business owner, having your financials in order is the most important step to running your business effectively and profitability. Now is a great time to get your accounting system and processes set up the right way! Join the Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 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. This 3-part series is sponsored by Wells Fargo – Open for Business.
QuickBooks Online – Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | 5:30pm-7:30pm
During this session, participants will learn how to process transactions QuickBooks Online. As a business owner, this is imperative in understanding your sales and expenses, and managing your cash flow. Participants will learn how to customize invoices, create sales receipts, receive and pay money. For those that sell products, this session will also cover how to use QuickBooks Online to track inventory and sales taxes.
Course Facilitator: Lori Jackson, MSC Financial Services
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/6044622775004051213. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

LADOTD: Developing an Effective Capabilities Statement
2022-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | LA
Please register for “LADOTD: Developing an Effective Capabilities Statement” by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1277469105404855052 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
With an increase in the number of viable contractors available to support public and private projects, contracting across the region is now more competitive than ever. However, the critical factors are the same. Procurement leads need to understand your capabilities, your value proposition, cost competitiveness, and how well you have performed on previous projects. But, with a sea of contenders, these elements need to be even more clearly and effectively conveyed than ever before.
As a contractor, whether you are providing labor, materials, or professional services, your capability statement serves as your business card and should set your apart from your competitors. It is a tool that will show potential clients how your achievements, core competencies, accreditations, financial health, and experience will create value for their projects. Writing a capability statement is not easy. However, it is worth the time and effort, and will produce positive outcomes if done right.
During this interactive workshop, participants will learn the key components of a capabilities statement and will be given guidance on crafting these elements to fit their business model and offerings.
This session will also include an overview of the LAUCP DBE Certification including eligibility requirements and the application process.
All existing and aspiring DBE contractors are encouraged to attend.
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/1277469105404855052 . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
