Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Ida are now able to register for disaster assistance with FEMA and to obtain needed support from the SBA. Disaster assistance is available to renters, homeowners, private non-profits, and small businesses in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon parishes affected by the hurricane effective Aug. 26th. Disaster assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. In addition, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to homeowners, renters and businesses. Please join us on Wednesday, September 15th to learn more! During this session, those impacted and seeking assistance will learn how to obtain FEMA and SBA assistance, including: • FEMA Registration Requirements and the Process to Receive Assistance • SBA Loan Eligibility and Application Process • Denials and Requests for Reconsideration Guest speakers include: • Susheel Kumar, Public Information Officer, Office of Disaster Assistance, Field Operations Center – West, U.S. Small Business Administration • Jo Ann Lawrence, Deputy District Director, Louisiana District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration There is no cost to attend this session, […]

Please register for "COVID-19 Perspectives: Session 3 - Reorganize, Retool, Recharge" by visiting https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3872764044088802573 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted small businesses. Many businesses have had to close or limit operations, lost revenue, and terminate or furlough employees. While these are challenging times, small businesses have an opportunity to deliberately pivot their business to meet the needs of a changing world. What You Will Learn: • How to evaluate the needs, opportunities, and gaps within the new business model • How to map the new business support model, training, and counseling needs • How to determine the tools and operational supports needed to ensure success Pivoting ones business to meet the changing needs of the market can require an operational overhaul. During this session, participants will learn: 1) how to reorganize one’s business support model, including employees, suppliers, consultants, mentors, accountability partners, and others, with risk management in mind, and 2) how to assess and pivot the business’ structure, operations, staff, and 3) the tools being used to create efficiency, increase productivity and meet the needs of its customers. The session will include […]

Even with the world slowly opening back up, many small businesses are still struggling to successfully rebuild. This panel discussion, led by Courvoisier Curators and moderated by ULLA's CEI VP Klassi Duncan and National Urban League, will provide marketing strategies and social media guidance to help Black small business owners and entrepreneurs re-engage with their community and their customers post-COVID-19. As part of the session, Courvoisier will host a live pitch competition for pre-selected small business finalists. Attendees will be able to watch the pitch competition live and learn the ins-and-outs of successfully presenting a business plan to an esteemed judging panel made up of industry leaders. You must be 21 years or older to attend this session.