NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The opportunity to grow a culture-based small business has sprouted in the Central Business District.
The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Culture-Up Incubator is offering a professional environment of shared workspace for budding entrepreneurs.
It will allow innovators to collaborate with cultural-sector leaders as they develop small business ideas.
Headquartered at historic Turners' Hall at 938 Lafayette St., the nonprofit organization will provide an undetermined amount of spaces for tenants at a cost of $250 per month.
Amenities include a permanent large desk-work area, lockable drawer unit and chair; 12-hour daily access to the building (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.); access to Wi-Fi, fax and copy machine; and mailbox and physical mailing address.
"This is another way that we can contribute and support the cultural sector of the area and Louisiana," said Miranda Restovic, president and executive director of the LEH. "We want to offer a resource that we have at our disposal for the cultural community."
The LEH has typically been seen as a granting agency, but that has been curtailed because of a lack of state funding.
"But that shouldn't stop us from cultivating the cultural sector," she said.
Potential tenants may include artists, researchers and authors. The LEH is also targeting those in the digital community who will enhance visitor experience and those who want to launch new festivals.
With several other business incubators in New Orleans, she said there are several reasons for a culture-oriented business hub.
"It's a quality of life issue," she said. "It's a preservation issue and an identity issue."
She said it's also an economic issue.
"Our culture is the greatest treasure we have," she said. "It draws people. It's at the very core of the present and the future. It makes us unique. This is one way we can contribute."
– by AP/ Reporter Lance Traweek with New Orleans City Business
