NEW ORLEANS – On Tuesday, March 19, the Urban League of Louisiana announced the launch of Scale Up! Louisiana, a statewide entrepreneurial education intensive hosted by Urban League of Louisiana’s Entrepreneurship Center. The program seeks to provide early stage entrepreneurs with the education and resources that are critical to creating a scalable and profitable business.
Details were shared in a press release.
The transition program guides existing, early-stage small business owners towards becoming high growth, sustainable ventures. The modular program is delivered via nine, six-hour in-classroom sessions and four web class meetings. In addition, participants obtain access to technical assistance and support services throughout the program.
Judy Reese-Morse, president & CEO of the Urban League of Louisiana, says, “Our goal is to increase sustainable entrepreneurial development from a community-centered perspective – based on the challenges, opportunities, and small business development needs that are unique to each community. We work to galvanize resources for small business education, counseling, technical assistance, mentorship, funding, and other support services within targeted communities to assist these entrepreneurs in a more effective and efficient manner.”
Scale Up! Louisiana will include programs in select communities across the state of Louisiana based on socio-economic indicators and needs. Using the state-declared 2018 Opportunity Zones as a guide, ULLA will target select cities and communities where resources are needed most.
In May, the Urban League of Louisiana will pilot the program in New Orleans East in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development, Delgado Community College – Sidney Collier Campus, AARP-Louisiana, and Capital One Bank.
Interested entrepreneurs must complete an application to apply for Scale Up! Louisiana. Eligible entrepreneurs meet the following criteria:
- Have at least $40,000 in documented revenue for the previous tax year
- Have been in business for at least 2 years
- Have at least 2 employees (including the owner)
- Must have a desire to scale
Up to 25 business owners will be selected for the New Orleans East pilot. Participants will be chosen based on their application, including: the participant’s ability to meet the eligibility requirements; the growth potential of the business; and the participant’s desire to learn and grow in an interactive classroom environment.
Classes begin on Monday, May 6 and will be held at Delgado Community College – Sidney Collier Campus (3727 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA 70126).
The application deadline is Friday, April, 19, 5 p.m. It must be submitted online at https://goo.gl/forms/PilKSo4uZIhYWjR02.
