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 […]

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!

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!

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.