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United Way celebrates inaugural Thriving African-American Small Business Initiative grantees
13 local businesses complete matched savings incubator program
NEW ORLEANS – On Wednesday, November 8th, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) will celebrate the inaugural participants of its Thriving African-American Small Business Initiative (TAASB), a game-changing program designed to help boost the profit potential of Black-owned businesses in greater New Orleans.
When: Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Where: New Orleans Jazz Market
1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
Time: 4 PM - 7 PM (Program begins at 4:30 PM)
“We know small business contributes both jobs and positive economic activity to communities, and that’s one reason why we’re making this investment in these individuals working to build their brands and income,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA President and CEO. “But more importantly, our intentional investment in small, Black-owned businesses ensures communities of color don’t miss out on economic opportunities and growth.”
The 15 inaugural participants include:
Danny’s Creole Kitchen, LLC
CateringAfri Modiste
Retail/Fashion Design
Domango Training
Health and Wellness
Paparazzi Cam Photo Booth & Photography
Event Rental Company
Christie Lockett Healing Center
Health Care and Social Assistance
Touches by Tircuit
Beauty Salon
Socialstep Marketing and Consulting
Marketing
Therapist With Talent Massage
Health & Wellness
Braids By Denise LLC
Hair Stylist
His Grace Enterprises LLC
Food & Drink
New Day Properties, LLC
Real Estate
Socialite Events
Event Planning
Perfectly Vinyl Prints D&B, LLC
Graphic Design
The participants – from Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes – completed seven months of concentrated instruction through UWSELA’s Prosperity Centers designed to help them fine tune their budgeting skills and improve their profits and viability.
Participants honed their business acumen, achieved a $2,000 savings goal in their Hope Federal Credit Union development accounts, which UWSELA will match 5:1, creating $12,000 in NEW capital for each business.
The graduation ceremony Wednesday evening will include the dynamic Level Up: Sell Your Spark presentations, which provides participants an opportunity to practice selling their plans to a group of potential investors – comprised of TAASB funders – who will rate each pitch.
UWSELA funded the Initiative through the generous support of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, BET, MacKenzie Scott and St. Tammany Corporation. The Bernard Group/Jolie Bernard LLC generously agreed to cover membership costs for both the New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce and New Orleans Chamber of Commerce for all participants.
Information about future TAASB application cycles will be released though UWSELA’s community newsletter.
Visit UnitedWaySELA.org/TAASB
to learn more about the program’s competitive application process and requirements. 
