Master Your Card: Looking for the Right Payment Processor?

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 […]

Boots to Business: Reboot for Veteran Entrepreneurs

AARP Community Resource Center 3502 S. Carrollton Avenue, Suite C, New Orleans, LA

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

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. […]

QuickBooks Online – Session 2: Everyday Transactions and Financial Reports

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 […]

LADOTD: Developing an Effective Capabilities Statement

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 […]

LADOTD: Developing an Effective Capabilities Statement

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 […]

QuickBooks Online – Session 3: Ongoing Accounting Concepts and Maintenance

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 Wednesday, November 16, 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 […]

Master Your Card: Getting Control of Your Finances

Gig and Freelance workers account for about 30% of the US workforce and are an integral part of the economy. Covid-19 accelerated the growth of this segment. The flexibility and freedom enjoyed by independent workers offers work-life balance, but can also come with uncertainties. Gig and freelance workers are invited to join the Urban League of Louisiana on Tuesday, November 22nd, 12:00pm-1:30pm, virtually, to learn tips for getting control of your finances and best practices in planning for a successful financial future. 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: Start Small: 5 Quick Ways to Save Money - With these five tips, you may be able to save a little at a time without sacrificing cash flow. 8 Cost-Cutting Tips for Independent Workers - Here are eight cost-cutting tips to help you get the most out of your hard-earned money. Credit Building 101 - Even if you don’t have a credit score yet or a “strong” one, building good credit is possible. Create a Financial Safety Net, One Step at a Time. - Planning for the future, […]

Master Your Card: Taxes and Benefits for Gig and Freelance Workers

Gig and Freelance workers account for about 30% of the US workforce and are an integral part of the economy. Covid-19 accelerated the growth of this segment. The flexibility and freedom enjoyed by independent workers offers work-life balance, but can also come with uncertainties. Gig and freelance workers are invited to join the Urban League of Louisiana on Tuesday, November 29th, 12:00pm-1:30pm, virtually, to learn best practices in tax planning and how to find and keep the right benefits to meet your needs. 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: 5 Tax Terms Every Gig Worker Should Know - Here are a few tax terms that gig, and independent workers should know. Top 5 Deductible Expenses for Independent Workers - When tax time comes, make sure your money works as hard as you do: claim your deductible expenses to lower the bill, or maybe even help you score a refund. 6 Benefits Independent Workers Need Most - If you’re not sure which benefits you need or how to quickly find the right plan for your needs, check […]