Launch NOLA Offers Unique Small Business Training In New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS — Small businesses in Louisiana’s Southeast Region can learn about and prepare for opportunities in the fields of water management and green infrastructure through the Launch NOLA program. Louisiana Economic Development is collaborating with Thrive New Orleans and other New Orleans-area partners to conduct the program, which is designed to support minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned and other businesses.

The 14-week course offers training to help businesses build on the latest techniques and equipment in water management, which LED has identified as one of nine key industries for growing Louisiana’s economy. The program also covers green infrastructure systems, such as permeable pavement and rain garden installations. Participants in the course have access to industry experts, assistance with brand support and brand strategy development, legal support and one-on-one mentorship.

“This program reflects LED’s commitment to growing and nurturing our Louisiana small businesses,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “The partnership between LED and Thrive NOLA places an emphasis on supporting Louisiana’s minority-owned, woman-owned and veteran-owned businesses. As we prepare Louisiana companies and Louisiana workers to take advantage of the growing opportunities in the resilience, green infrastructure and water management space, we are better positioned to achieve both environmental and economic success. That’s a great return on investment.”

Thrive New Orleans is a nonprofit group that assists under-served neighborhoods and residents through job creation and training, small business development and support, affordable housing, and other services. Additional partners involved in the program are the Urban Conservancy and Delgado Community College.

Eight businesses graduated from the Launch NOLA program’s first session earlier this year. The fall session began Aug. 30 with 16 participants, and the first session of 2019 is scheduled to start next January. The cost to enroll in the program is $150. For additional information, write to info@launchnola.org or call 504.564.7739.

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