Building the Foundation of Local and Regional Minority Chambers Across The State To Help Drive Louisiana's Economy Forward

According to the latest U.S. Census data preceding the pandemic, there were 2.6 million Black-owned businesses in the United States, generating more than $150 billion in revenue every year and employing almost one million Americans. However, in the time since this data was published, Black-owned businesses have faced a whirlwind of setbacks, resulting in widespread operation reductions and firm closures.

The New York Fed Reserve Bank published a report of the damage in the late summer of last year, noting that Black businesses experienced the most acute decline from the economic downturn. The results of the study illustrated a 41 percent drop in business activity from February to April 2020.

However, despite the pandemic and its economic shock-waves, Black business owners have thrived in recent years. In fact, the American Express 2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report shows that Black women are the majority owners in over 2.6 million businesses with more than $42 billion in sales. That same report cited Black women as the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs, leading the way in number and revenue growth.

LCCF salutes the #blackowned businesses across Louisiana who are the foundations of our local communities.

#ShopBlack #BuyBlack #BusinessinBlack #NationalBlackBusinessMonth #
The Black Heritage Gallery is a nonprofit organization that showcases emerging and mid-career artists in Lake Charles and surrounding areas. Each year, there are six exhibits displayed, for 7 weeks.

The Black Heritage Gallery is located at 1001 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA. For more information visit Black Heritage Gallery of Lake Charles
2020 Census Statistics Highlight Local Population Changes and Nation’s Racial and Ethnic Diversity

The U.S. Census Bureau today released additional 2020 Census results showing an increase in the population of U.S. metro areas compared to a decade ago. In addition, these once-a-decade results showed the nation’s diversity in how people identify their race and ethnicity.

These statistics, which come from the 2020 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File, provide the first look at populations for small areas and include information on Hispanic origin, race, age 18 and over, housing occupancy and group quarters. They represent where people were living as of April 1, 2020, and are available for the nation, states and communities down to the block level.


GNO-INC CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES & SUPPORT
as of August 12, 2021

Coronavirus Updates
  • Orleans Parish Vaccine Requirements – Beginning August 16, all residents and visitors to the City of New Orleans over the age of 12 who wish to enter certain indoor establishments will be required to provide proof of a COVID vaccine or a negative PCR COVID test taken within 72 hours. Such indoor establishments include:
  • Indoor dining and drinking
  • Indoor fitness
  • Indoor entertainment/performance/event spaces
To learn more about these latest guidelines, click here. 
  • Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program Opening Soon – The application process opens Monday, August 16 for nonprofits and small businesses eligible for a new grant program. The Louisiana Nonprofit and Small Business Assistance Program provides up to $25,000 in grants to eligible entities. The $10 million program was created by the Legislature and prioritizes aid to small businesses providing workforce development activities, and nonprofits providing food, employment, and education assistance. More information on eligibility and the application process can be found on the Louisiana Department of Revenue program webpage here.
  • Broadband Grant Rules Announced – The state’s Office of Broadband today released the rules for a new grant program established with federal coronavirus aid funding. The Granting Underserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) program sets up a competitive process to fund eligible projects statewide. Local governments (including parishes, municipalities, and school boards) can team up with a private provider to apply for a GUMBO grant. The state Office of Broadband will hold a webinar tomorrow, August 13 for communities seeking to expand broadband access. You can register for the webinar here,

Coronavirus Information & Resources
  • Work – If you want a job in a sector that is surging right now, new openings are on WorkNOLA.com.
  • Employees – A database of local talent looking for new job opportunities, including quick employment history and skills summary, is on the WorkNOLA Workforce Directory.  
  • Data – The COVID-19 Economic Dashboard can be found here. The COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard can be found here. 
  • Coronavirus Supplies – If you are looking for PPE, sanitizer, food providers, and other related products and services, search the GNOpivot Marketplace. You can view our mask comparison chart here.
  • Coronavirus Customers – If you have pivoted your business to make a new, coronavirus-related product, register on GNOpivot
  • General Information – A range of guides and materials are catalogued on the GNO, Inc. Coronavirus Business Resource Page.

SHREVEPORT REGIONAL AFFILIATE

VETS First Verification Program Application – Getting It Done Right The First Time
The Vets First Verification Program affords verified firms owned and controlled by Veterans and Service-disabled Veterans the opportunity to compete for VA set asides. This training will walk you through the verification process.


PRE-REGISTRATION ACTIVITIES MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO TRAINING DATE -CLICK HERE TO ACCESS REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. 
The  U.S. Small Business Administration launched a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.  
  
“The SBA’s new streamlined application portal will simplify forgiveness for millions of our smallest businesses -- including many sole proprietors -- who used funds from our Paycheck Protection Program loans to survive the pandemic,” said Administrator Guzman. “The vast majority of businesses waiting for forgiveness have loans under $150,000. These entrepreneurs are busy running their businesses and are challenged by an overly complicated forgiveness process. We need to deliver forgiveness more efficiently so they can get back to enlivening our Main Streets, sustaining our neighborhoods and fueling our nation’s economy.”
The new forgiveness platform began accepting applications August 4. Lenders may opt-in to this program through https://directforgiveness.sba.gov.
Borrowers that need assistance should call (877) 552-2692.
From Our Partners

USBC Small Business Micro Loan & Grant Program 2021
3901 MacArthur Blvd,
Box 6012 New Orleans, LA 70114
Phone Number: 1 504-655-7572