Local Small Business Resources in New Orleans
Starting a business can be both fun and stressful, but know that you’re not alone.
Help is readily available to make running your business easier! There are numerous small business resources available to you in the New Orleans area to help assist you and offer support. If you aren’t sure where to find them, we’ve got you covered. To get you off on the right foot, we’ve created a list of six locally available small business resources in New Orleans.
Fund17
2533 Columbus Street
(504) 656-4177
Fund17 is a non-profit organization that provides both financial and educational tools to micro-entrepreneurs in the New Orleans area. We really believe in what Fund 17 is on a mission to do. Here at Get Online NOLA, we strive to push the same message and support local New Orleans businesses and their mission.
They have a 10-week accelerator program for entrepreneurs who’ve established their business and are ready to grow. The 10-week program includes weekly sessions that focus on management strategies, organizational planning, customer management & more.
Fund 17 also offers free workshops that cover various topics such as media relations, business modeling, managing finances, and marketing your business. We’ve previously partnered with Fund 17 to teach free introductory workshops on branding and email marketing!
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
1515 Poydras Street Ste 1010
(504)799-4260
Joining the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce gives business owners & entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase exposure both on and offline. The Chamber provides its chamber members with the opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships within the City of New Orleans.
We are members of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and some of our favorite member benefits include lead referrals, sponsorship opportunities, and the many networking opportunities given at events. The New Orleans Chamber also has tons of events including quarterly business luncheons, monthly Chamber After 5 events, networking events for young professionals, educational seminars, and more.
StayLocal
1307 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd #309
(504)252-1259
Stay Local is an independent business alliance in the Greater New Orleans area. Their goals are to educate consumers on the benefits of keeping their dollars local, promote independent shops & service providers, and help businesses stay competitive. StayLocal has workshops, networking events, policy initiatives, and advocacy work.
Joining StayLocal can help your business gain access to opportunities and resources. For example, StayLocal offers year-round workshops, hosts independent business meet-ups, and offers innovative programming that is designed to sharpen the skills of business owners while expanding their network. We have recently partnered with StayLocal to teach a workshop on developing your brand.
Their member benefits include advertising discounts for New Orleans publications and member-to-member discounts. We’re StayLocal members and one of our favorite benefits is gaining access to exclusive events!
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center
909 S. Jefferson Davis
(504)831-3730
From help developing business plans to free 1-on-1 business mentoring, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) offers a myriad number of services to help small business owners grow their business. The LSBDC is a no-cost business information service for anyone who seeks it.
They offer free consulting and host affordable workshops for Louisiana small businesses with a focus on helping entrepreneurs. Previously we’ve partnered with the LSBDC for a 2-day Digital Marketing & Social Media Seminar. The center also helps with acquiring customers, certifications, disaster preparedness, and sustainability planning.
New Orleans is just one of the eleven locations of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. There are two located in Baton Rouge and one in Alexandria, Bossier City, Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport, and Thibodaux.
Propeller
4035 Washington Ave
(504)322-3282
Propeller is a New Orleans-based nonprofit designed to support small businesses and nonprofits through all stages of their business. They run an accelerator program that provides promising entrepreneurs with free support such as financial planning, design, HR, and mentorship. Besides the accelerator program, Propeller hosts events including workshops, seminars, and pitch competitions. Their pitch competitions are free and open to the public. They award funding to entrepreneurs with solutions to New Orleans’ social and environmental inequities.
Let’s not forgot Propeller is also an incubator. With their 10,000 sq ft co-working space, Propeller provides small businesses, nonprofits, and community members in New Orleans a space to connect as they grow their own ideas.
New Orleans SCORE
365 Canal St, Ste 2820
(504)589-2356
Through the nation’s largest network of free expert business mentors, SCORE provides business owners and entrepreneurs access to free or low-cost resources and workshops.
SCORE offers free mentoring from expert advisors where you can meet face-to-face or online and get free, confidential business advice. They also host workshops that cover a variety of topics including accounting, business management, and more. Lastly, SCORE has a resource library with free local business templates and guides to help grow your business knowledge.
You don’t have to run your business alone! Reach out to these local small business resources when you’re in need of motivation, information, support, or guidance.
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