"Our main focus is to build capacity and opportunities for businesses growth through a variety of workshops, certifications, seminars. The Hispanic community is entrepreneurial, but we want to provide them with the tools for success."
—Mayra Pineda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, which is hosting the Hispanic Business Conference & Trade Show at Harrah’s New Orleans on August 10. The event is the premier venue for hispanic businesses to market their goods and services.
New Propeller Accelerator Graduates 15 Ventures — $55,000 Awarded
Focused on solutions to local problems relating to food, water, health and education, 15 ventures graduated from Propeller’s three-month Growth Accelerator program, bringing the program total of supported ventures to over 100.
Two for-profit ventures, Whetstone Education and eNre, each also received a $25,000 investment, where the non-profit Youth Rebuilding New Orleans received a $5,000 grant.
Where are Closing Costs Lowest in Louisiana?
Source: SmartAsset
Tulane Launches Homeland Security Studies Program
Enrollment is now open for Tulane School of Continuing Studies’ new Homeland Security Studies program. The online program is the first in the region to offer an online Master of Professional Studies degree (MPS) covering both homeland security and emergency management.
DDD dedicates $10,000 for Downtown Security Cameras
Working with the New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation’s SafeCam Adopt-A-Block program, the Downtown Development District (DDD) has dedicated $10,000 to help add nearly 200 high-definition surveillance cameras to crime hot spots. The first installation will be in the 100 block of Royal Street.
RECENT OPENINGS
Le Creuset
Premium cookware retailer Le Creuset opened its newest store at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk July 7. It is the first outlet to feature a fully operating demo kitchen.
Elmer Chocolate
On June 23, Elmer Chocolate celebrated the completion of a $40 million manufacturing expansion at its Ponchatoula facility. The expansion is expected to result in add 14 jobs to the current 164 at the now nearly 400,000-square-foot plant.
Studio Arabi
Encompassing a variety of venues along the 6600 and 6700 blocks of St. Claude Avenue, the new Studio Arabi arts campus opened June 25. Included in the campus are studios, galleries, artist residences and a theatre.
Cosentino Center
A global purveyor of natural stone, quartz and architectural surfacing, Cosentino opened a 20,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom June 16 at 5800 Jefferson Highway, Suite C&D, in Elmwood.
Higherpower
New Orleans’ first hybrid indoor cycling and yoga studio, Higherpower Cycle/Yoga/TRX, opened its second location at the Beacon at South Market District on July 7.
Barre3
Ballet barre fitness studio, Barre3, opened its third New Orleans location at 600 Metairie Road July 11. In eight years, the franchise has grown from a single location in Portland, Oregon, to over 100 locations.
City Greens
Locally developed healthy fast casual restaurant City Greens opened its third location in only four years on June 28 at 600 Metairie Road. The City Greens operation also includes a 63,000-square-foot hydroponic farm.
Camp Bow Wow Mid-City
Dog day and overnight care franchise Camp Bow Wow opened a new location in Mid-City June 28. The 10,000-square-foot facility includes 3,500-square-feet of outdoor play space and 11 luxury suites.
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