Those affected by COVID-19 seeking assistance can click through the links below for more information from each of the following agencies:
Scale Up! Louisiana – Scale Up! Louisiana is a statewide, community-based, entrepreneurial education intensive hosted by Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This program provides early stage, women- and minority-owned firms with the education and resources needed for scalability and profitability. In order to participate, entrepreneurs must commit to a business education program that is delivered via 11, 2.5 hour web class sessions. The application deadline for the Fall 2021 program is Sunday, August 15.
10,000 Small Businesses – Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help small businesses grow and create jobs by providing them with greater access to education, capital, and business support services. To date, more than 10,000 business owners have graduated from the program across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Paycheck Protection Program – The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. SBA is currently offering: First Draw PPP Loans for first time program participants and Second Draw PPP Loans for certain businesses who have previously received a PPP loan. SBA also offers additional Coronavirus relief.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant – The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.
Music Relief Program – The City of New Orleans has launched support for music venues, including waving 2021 ABO and Mayoralty Permit fees, providing small grants to support venues and individual musicians in becoming compliant with City and State reopening guidelines, and partnering with local nonprofits to provide free, one-on-one assistance to music venues to apply to the SBA’s Shuttered Venue Operator Grants Program.
Louisiana Workforce Commission – Information for Workers and Employers in Louisiana
U.S. Small Business Administration – Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Louisiana Economic Development – Resources for Impacted Businesses
Internal Revenue Services – Information Regarding Economic Impact Payments
Regional Transit Authority – Information for Transit Riders
The Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center – Federal, State and Local Government Support for Residents
Tulane’s Albert LePage Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Tulane University has launched an effort to connect business owners with the appropriate individuals to help them navigate the resources available to them as well as provide strategic guidance during this difficult time.
HOSP Program to help Restaurants Reopen – New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute has developed a multi-tiered training for operators, staff and patrons of foodservice establishments and bars. They have combed through the latest global, national, and local guidelines to provide teams with clear, comprehensive best practices for re-opening and operating in today’s new reality.
Outdoor Dining Grant Program – The City of New Orleans, with support from the New Orleans Business Alliance, has launched an Outdoor Dining grant program to support New Orleans’ restaurant industry to safely expand their outdoor dining options. The subsequent fee waivers have been extended from June 30 through September 30, 2021, as the City continues to develop a permanent program.
