Join the Urban League of Louisiana on Tuesday, November 28, 10:00am-11:30am, for “Crew Management: Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining an All Star Team”. This virtual session is a part of a series of monthly events in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s DBE Supportive Services program. 2023 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 class will be facilitated by Courtney Elzey, Principal, MCDS, LLC. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to […]

The latest evolution of UDA's top-rated online construction management software, ConstructionOnline 2023, delivers hundreds of new updates and enhancements, alongside world-class construction estimating, scheduling, and project management solutions - optimized to deliver meaningful ROI to professional construction companies. Join us on Thursday, November 30, 9:00am-1:00pm, at Urban League of Louisiana, 4640 S. Carrollton Avenue, Suite 110, New Orleans, LA 70119. During this session, participants will learn how ConstructionOnline 2023 can power your company’s success, including how you can: - Stand out from the competition with unlimited styling options for fully customized proposals from the brand-new OnPoint™ Proposal Wizard - Track profits, delays, and more at-a-glance with the latest information through Project Health Dashboards - Power-up project schedules with SmartLink™ - connect Schedule Tasks & To Dos to provide the ultimate in detail and direction for your team - Get detailed insights into predicted cash inflow and outflow with new TrueVision™ Cash Flow Reports - Find what you're looking for in a flash with the new, platform-wide Search, Filter, and Sort options - Optimize efficiency and avoid mitigate conflicts with ResourceTrak™ and enhanced trade-based resource management This workshop will be facilitated by Frank Johnson, III, Senior Business Advisor and Contractor Specialist […]

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 - Putting your plans into action. In addition, participants, will gain an understanding of the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method which entails a commitment by the Construction Manager (CM) to deliver the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) which is based on the construction documents and specifications at the time of the GMP. There is no cost to attend. However, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot! https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2370258330093916000

Join the Urban League of Louisiana for its new “WIN Series for Entrepreneurs”. This 4-part series is designed for aspiring and existing small business owners who are looking to develop key entrepreneurial skills that can be leveraged to start, grow, and scale their business. This series is sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. Bidding on public and private contracts can be a game changer for small businesses. However, the goal is to win and leverage these contracts to increase operational and financial capacity, create new jobs, and become a scalable business. During this session, participants will gain insights on how to successfully bid on public and private contracting opportunities. This session combines best practices for “bidding to win” with real life examples used to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the bidding process. Designed for new and seasoned contractors, this session will provide a roadmap to executing successful bid strategies, leading to increased business opportunities and improved organizational outcomes. This session will be facilitated by Courtney Elzey, President and CEO, MCDS, LLC. This series is sponsored by the Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. To participate, attendees […]

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 Women’s Business Resource Center for its 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. 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. This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. To participate, attendees must be or become certified through the LED Small and Emerging Business Development Program. Visit https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program to get certified today! Course Facilitator: Lori Jackson, MSC Financial Services. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is […]

Join the Urban League of Louisiana for Wealth Building Wednesdays! This monthly webinar series is designed to provide communities across Louisiana with insights, tools, and practical steps to develop healthy financial habits, become financially independent, effectively manage risks, and chart a pathway towards generational wealth creation. Sessions take place on Wednesdays each month, 6:00pm-7:30pm. Register today to reserve your spot…and share with a friend or family member! In the quest to achieve generational wealth, many find it difficult to change bad habits, let alone teach their kids the road to financial fitness. However, teaching kids basic money management skills is a great way to give them a head start financially and can set them up for a bright future! There are many healthy habits, tools, and resources that you can teach your kids at any age about money management including: Understanding how credit works Managing debt Developing a savings plan Spending wisely Optimizing earnings and budgeting effectively During this session, learn a few key steps that you can incorporate into your family’s daily habits to set your kids up for future financial success! This session will be facilitated by Ricardo D. Thomas, ChFEBC, RFC®, Financial Consultant, THOMAS-WADDELL & Associates. There […]

Join the Urban League of Louisiana for its new “WIN Series for Entrepreneurs”. This 4-part series is designed for aspiring and existing small business owners who are looking to develop key entrepreneurial skills that can be leveraged to start, grow, and scale their business. This series is sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. Businesses today compete in an ever-evolving landscape, and must constantly stay on top of the most relevant and effective marketing strategies and tactics that can build brand awareness and grow your audience. This means developing a deep understanding of your target audience and using tools that create user experiences that will convert and retain the most profitable customers. During this session, participants will learn from three women leaders in marketing and brand management about the trends that are shaping how small businesses market their products and services, including: Best practices in building brand equity Understanding and leveraging consumer behavior Interactive content marketing Omnichannel marketing Other content marketing strategies Facilitator: Tiffany Langlinais, President & CEO, Freret Napoleon This series is sponsored by the Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. To participate, attendees must be or become certified through the LED […]

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 Women’s Business Resource Center for its 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. 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 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. This series is sponsored by Mastercard and Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. To participate, attendees must be or become certified through the LED Small and […]

Join the Urban League of Louisiana for its signature “Opportunities Outlook Quarterly Convening”. These quarterly, in-person meet-ups feature procurement officers and/or prime contractors who will provide DBEs and other diverse businesses with updates on bid opportunities, as well as, required steps and best practices for doing business with their organizations. These events also provide an opportunity for more direct networking between DBEs and procurement officers and/or primes. The event will take place at the Urban League of Louisiana, 4640 S. Carrollton Avenue, Suite 110. Breakfast will be provided. This quarter’s featured speakers and organizations include: Paula Roddy, DOTD Program Director, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Lauren Marshall, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Woodward Design + Build Jean-Marc Villain, System Director of Supplier Inclusion & Community, Ochsner Health Paige Adams, Director, Business Development – Member Diversity Offerings, Vizient, Inc. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required. Register today to reserve your spot!

Join the Urban League of Louisiana for its new “WIN Series for Entrepreneurs”. This 4-part series is designed for aspiring and existing small business owners who are looking to develop key entrepreneurial skills that can be leveraged to start, grow, and scale their business. This series is sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. One of the major challenges that most small businesses face is knowing how to properly price its products and services to ensure increased sales and profitability. While there are several factors to consider, such as understanding your customers, costs, and competition, it is imperative that entrepreneurs “do the work” to determine their optimal pricing strategy. During this session, small businesses will learn key strategies and tactics to guide them in positioning and pricing their services for profit. Attendees will learn: The 4 types of pricing strategies for service-based businesses and when to use which ones How to actually know when it’s time to increase your prices The profit-building way to offer incentives without discounting This session will be facilitated by Desiree Young, Founder and President, VentureWalk Business Partners and WinFish. This series is sponsored by the Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging […]

Join the Urban League of Louisiana for its new “WIN Series for Entrepreneurs”. This 4-part series is designed for aspiring and existing small business owners who are looking to develop key entrepreneurial skills that can be leveraged to start, grow, and scale their business. This series is sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and Emerging Business Development Program. In this highly competitive, digital age of social media, digital marketing, and now even AI, building brand equity through compelling connections and storytelling can take your brand to new heights, especially for smaller, younger brands who are just getting their footing. A great brand ambassador is someone who understands what your brand stands for, who believes in your brand and is thrilled to spread the word. As your business’ founder and the product’s creator, you should be your brand’s number one ambassador. During this session, you will learn: How to identify your unique communication style and how to use it to inform AND influence The art of story and how to use it to sell, tell and show results How to deliver concise answers to “What do you do and What can you do for me?” that create compelling conversations and close […]

Get the Help You Need to Start Your Business the Right Way! Ready to get started? Classes will take place on Saturdays, February 17 - April 13, 10:00am-12:30pm. There is no cost to attend this series. All classes will be held online via the GoToTraining online platform. Please note that this is a multiple-day training series and cannot be split. Have you recently started your own business and realized that you need help? Are you unsure if you have explored all of the tools and resources needed to ensure your success? Would you like more in-depth assistance with your business planning? If so, Start Up! Louisiana is for you! Start Up! Louisiana is a 9-session, entrepreneurial training program that teaches new entrepreneurs how to launch their business ventures the right way. This series provides best practices for how to build a solid business foundation that ensures success. Topics covered focus on developing your entrepreneurial mindset, starting lean, understanding business financials, and how to effectively market to your target customer. Participants also receive individual business counseling and access to other support services and resources needed to successfully launch and grow! This series is sponsored by the Louisiana Economic Development’s Small and […]