Starting a business can be both fun and stressful, but know that you’re not alone
Help is readily available to make running your business easier! There are numerous small business resources available to you in the New Orleans area to help assist you and offer support. If you aren’t sure where to find them, we’ve got you covered. To get you off on the right foot, we’ve created a list of six locally available small business resources in New Orleans.
Fund17
2533 Columbus Street #101
(504) 656-4176
Fund17 is a non-profit organization that provides both financial and educational tools to micro-entrepreneurs in the New Orleans area. We really believe in what Fund 17 is on a mission to do. Here at Get Online NOLA, we strive to push the same message and support local New Orleans businesses and their mission.
They have a 10-week accelerator program for entrepreneurs who’ve established their businesses and are ready to grow. The 10-week program includes weekly sessions that focus on management strategies, organizational planning, customer management & more.
Fund17 offers a 5-week “Be The Boss” accelerator program for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses, along with one-on-one business advising and capital readiness support. They also operate a Community Business Incubator that provides affordable workspace and resources for local entrepreneurs. Workshops cover topics such as financial management, marketing, LLC formation, and permitting.
Fund 17 also offers free workshops that cover various topics such as media relations, business modeling, managing finances, and marketing your business. We’ve previously partnered with Fund 17 to teach free introductory workshops on branding and email marketing!
New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
1515 Poydras Street Ste 1010
(504) 799-4260
Joining the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce gives business owners & entrepreneurs the opportunity to increase exposure both on and offline. The Chamber provides its chamber members with the opportunity to build mutually beneficial partnerships within the City of New Orleans.
The New Orleans Chamber website features an events calendar where members and prospective attendees can browse upcoming networking events, educational seminars, luncheons, and community programs. Each listing includes event details and registration information, making it easy to stay connected and involved.
We are members of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and some of our favorite member benefits include lead referrals, sponsorship opportunities, and the many networking opportunities given at events. The New Orleans Chamber also has tons of events, including quarterly business luncheons, monthly Chamber After 5 events, networking events for young professionals, educational seminars, and more.
StayLocal
2831 St. Claude Ave
(504) 252-1259
Stay Local is an independent business alliance in the Greater New Orleans area. Their goals are to educate consumers on the benefits of keeping their dollars local, promote independent shops & service providers, and help businesses stay competitive. StayLocal has workshops, networking events, policy initiatives, and advocacy work.
StayLocal offers a verified directory of locally owned New Orleans businesses, neighborhood guides, and seasonal “shop local” initiatives that connect consumers with independent businesses across the city. Members also gain marketing visibility through directory listings, promotions, and social media features, along with access to workshops, networking opportunities, and advocacy resources that support local business growth.
Joining StayLocal can help your business gain access to opportunities and resources. For example, StayLocal offers year-round workshops, hosts independent business meet-ups, and offers innovative programming that is designed to sharpen the skills of business owners while expanding their network. We have recently partnered with StayLocal to teach a workshop on developing your brand.
Their member benefits include advertising discounts for New Orleans publications and member-to-member discounts. We’re StayLocal members, and one of our favorite benefits is gaining access to exclusive events!
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center
at Xavier University of Louisiana
909 South Norman C. Francis Pkwy,
Xavier South – Room 325
(504) 831-3730
From help developing business plans to free 1-on-1 business mentoring, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) offers a myriad number of services to help small business owners grow their businesses. The LSBDC is a no-cost business information service for anyone who seeks it.
They offer free consulting and host affordable workshops for Louisiana small businesses with a focus on helping entrepreneurs. Previously, we’ve partnered with the LSBDC for a 2-day Digital Marketing & Social Media Seminar. The center also helps with acquiring customers, certifications, disaster preparedness, and sustainability planning.
In addition to free consulting and workshops, LSBDC helps businesses pursue certifications and access opportunities in government contracting and supplier diversity programs. Entrepreneurs also receive support with capital access, financial planning, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and long-term business growth strategies through one-on-one advising and training.
New Orleans is just one of the eleven locations of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. There are two located in Baton Rouge and one in Alexandria, Bossier City, Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, Shreveport, and Thibodaux.
Propeller
4035 Washington Ave
(504) 322-3282
Propeller is a New Orleans-based nonprofit designed to support small businesses and nonprofits through all stages of their business. They run an accelerator program that provides promising entrepreneurs with free support such as financial planning, design, HR, and mentorship. Besides the accelerator program, Propeller hosts events including workshops, seminars, and pitch competitions. Their pitch competitions are free and open to the public. They award funding to entrepreneurs with solutions to New Orleans’ social and environmental inequities.
Propeller offers programs focused on access to capital, business growth, and operational support for entrepreneurs. They also work with early childhood education providers across New Orleans to improve sustainability, access to funding opportunities, and strengthen operations.
Let’s not forget Propeller is also an incubator. With their 10,000 sq ft co-working space, Propeller provides small businesses, nonprofits, and community members in New Orleans a space to connect as they grow their own ideas.
New Orleans SCORE
365 Canal St., Suite 2820
(504) 589-2356
Through the nation’s largest network of free expert business mentors, SCORE provides business owners and entrepreneurs access to free or low-cost resources and workshops.
SCORE offers free mentoring from expert advisors where you can meet face-to-face or online and get free, confidential business advice. They also host workshops that cover a variety of topics, including accounting, business management, and more. Lastly, SCORE has a resource library with free local business templates and guides to help grow your business knowledge.
The Urban League of Louisiana
4640 S. Carrollton Avenue
(504) 620-2332
The Urban League of Louisiana is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and expanding economic opportunities throughout the New Orleans area. Through their Women’s Business Resource Center (WBRC), they provide education, mentorship, and financial guidance for women looking to start or grow their businesses.
The organization offers business workshops, one-on-one coaching, and assistance with certifications for women- and minority-owned businesses. They also help entrepreneurs prepare for funding opportunities and connect them with valuable local resources.
The Urban League of Louisiana is especially committed to supporting Black women entrepreneurs through programs designed for business growth in industries like retail and construction. Their accelerator programs and networking events give business owners access to mentorship, contracting opportunities, and strategies for long-term success.
In addition to entrepreneurship support, the organization also focuses on workforce development and wealth-building initiatives that help women create sustainable careers, strengthen their financial future, and invest back into their communities.
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO)- Small Business Development & Management Institute (SBDMI)
6400 Press Drive
(504) 286-5000
Southern University at New Orleans supports entrepreneurs and small business owners through its Small Business Development & Management Institute (SBDMI). Their programs are focused on helping local businesses grow while creating more economic opportunities throughout New Orleans.
SUNO provides one-on-one business counseling, educational workshops, and practical training for entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Business owners can learn about planning, management strategies, financial organization, and tools like QuickBooks to help strengthen daily operations.
The university also operates a Small Business Incubator in New Orleans East that gives startup businesses access to office space, shared resources, and professional guidance while they continue to grow. Programs like the SEBD Roundtable create opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another through peer mentorship and networking.
SUNO also offers certification and workforce development programs that help individuals expand their skills and explore new career and business opportunities within the community.
The Idea Village
900 Camp Street, Suite 308
(504) 304-7404
The Idea Village is a nonprofit organization that helps entrepreneurs throughout New Orleans and the Gulf South turn business ideas into growing companies. Their mission is centered around supporting innovation, strengthening the local startup community, and creating opportunities for small businesses to succeed.
Through programs like IDEAinstitute and VILLAGEx, entrepreneurs receive guidance on building their businesses, refining their strategies, and preparing for long-term growth. These accelerator programs connect founders with experienced mentors, educational workshops, and valuable networking opportunities designed to help businesses scale.
The Idea Village also focuses on increasing access and representation within entrepreneurship through programs that support Black founders and founders of color. Participants can receive mentorship, funding opportunities, and hands-on resources that help move their businesses forward.
The organization is also known for hosting New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW), which brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from across the region. Over the years, The Idea Village has helped thousands of entrepreneurs build connections, grow their companies, and contribute to the local economy.
The New Orleans Startup Fund
1100 Poydras Street, Suite 3475
(504) 264-1488
The New Orleans Startup Fund is a nonprofit organization that supports early-stage companies and entrepreneurs across the Greater New Orleans area. Their goal is to help promising startups grow into sustainable, investment-ready businesses that contribute to the region’s economy.
The fund works with innovative businesses by providing early financial support to companies that may not yet qualify for traditional funding. Startups can receive seed investments that help them build operations, develop products, and prepare for future growth opportunities.
Beyond funding, the organization connects entrepreneurs with mentorship, business guidance, and technical support to help strengthen their long-term success. Founders are able to access experienced advisors and resources that assist with scaling their businesses and navigating challenges that come with early growth.
The New Orleans Startup Fund also supports programs focused on increasing opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned businesses. Through partnerships and community initiatives, they help entrepreneurs gain access to networking, legal resources, and additional support within the local startup ecosystem.
New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce
3519 12th Street
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 212-4201
The New Orleans Regional Black Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting and advocating for Black-owned businesses throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Their work focuses on creating more economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs while helping businesses build long-term success within their communities.
NORBCC provides members with access to networking events, educational workshops, and professional development opportunities that help business owners strengthen their operations and expand their reach. The organization also helps connect entrepreneurs with corporate and government contracting opportunities, including guidance for certifications and procurement processes.
The chamber regularly hosts community events and business programs designed to increase visibility for Black-owned businesses across the region. Their initiatives encourage residents and organizations to intentionally support local businesses while helping entrepreneurs build valuable partnerships and connections.
Through advocacy, technical assistance, and business resources, NORBCC continues to play an important role in supporting small business growth across the 10-parish New Orleans region.
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana
3324 N. Arnoult Road
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 885-4156
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana works to support and strengthen small businesses throughout the Greater New Orleans area by creating opportunities for growth, education, and community connection. The organization serves entrepreneurs from a variety of backgrounds and is especially committed to helping Hispanic and minority-owned businesses succeed.
HCCL offers bilingual workshops and training programs in both English and Spanish that cover topics like marketing, QuickBooks, digital tools, financial planning, and business development. These resources are designed to help business owners build confidence, improve operations, and continue growing their companies.
The chamber also helps connect entrepreneurs with funding opportunities, business resources, and professional networks throughout the region. Through community partnerships, trade shows, and networking events, local businesses can build relationships with corporate leaders, government agencies, and other entrepreneurs.
HCCL continues to be a valuable resource for small business owners looking for guidance, education, and support while navigating the challenges of starting and growing a business in New Orleans.
NOLAlytics (City of New Orleans Data Analytics Team)
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
NOLAlytics is the City of New Orleans’ data analytics team that supports local decision-making by turning city data into useful insights for residents, businesses, and public agencies. While not a traditional business resource center, their work indirectly benefits small businesses by improving access to information and making city systems more efficient.
The team provides public access to a wide range of open datasets covering topics like permits, demographics, infrastructure, and local economic trends. Small business owners can use this information to better understand neighborhoods, explore potential locations, and make more informed planning decisions.
NOLAlytics also helps improve how city services operate by using data to streamline processes such as permitting and inspections. This can reduce delays and help businesses navigate regulatory requirements more smoothly.
By identifying patterns and trends across the city, the team supports more informed planning and helps align city resources with community and economic needs.
New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) – REACH Center
219 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
The New Orleans Public Library offers a range of free resources that support entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the city. One of its key business-focused spaces is the REACH Center, located at the Main Library, which is designed to give individuals a professional environment to work, learn, and grow their ideas.
The REACH Center functions as a free coworking space with Wi-Fi, desks, and quiet areas for focused work. It also provides access to printing services and reservable meeting rooms that can be used for client meetings, workshops, or planning sessions.
Beyond physical space, NOPL gives business owners access to research databases and online tools that cover topics like starting a business, managing operations, and exploring market trends. These resources help entrepreneurs make more informed decisions as they develop and grow their businesses.
The library also hosts workshops on business development, financial literacy, and related skills that support long-term growth. In addition, NOPL partners with organizations such as SCORE New Orleans to connect entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who offer free business counseling and guidance.
Through advocacy, technical assistance, and business resources, NORBCC continues to play an important role in supporting small business growth across the 10-parish New Orleans region.
The Data Center (Louisiana-based research organization)
New Orleans, LA
The Data Center is an independent research organization that supports informed decision-making across the Greater New Orleans region by providing clear, locally focused data and analysis. Their work helps small businesses, nonprofits, and public leaders better understand the conditions shaping the local economy.
They produce reports and studies that highlight regional trends such as employment patterns, neighborhood development, housing affordability, and economic recovery. This information can help business owners identify opportunities, understand community needs, and plan more effectively for growth.
The organization also focuses on long-term resilience in Southeast Louisiana, including how communities recover from disasters and adapt over time. These insights are especially useful for businesses operating in areas impacted by storms, infrastructure challenges, and shifting population trends.
By making complex data more accessible, The Data Center helps strengthen planning efforts and supports more informed, community-based economic development throughout the New Orleans region.
Power Moves Nola
New Orleans, LA
PowerMoves.NOLA is a business support initiative focused on helping minority entrepreneurs in the New Orleans region build and grow high-potential startups. The program is designed to expand access to resources that can be difficult for early-stage founders to secure on their own, particularly in high-growth industries.
Through structured fellowship programs and business development boot camps, participants receive hands-on support to strengthen their business ideas. This includes guidance in areas like strategy development, marketing, operations, and legal considerations, along with direct feedback from experienced mentors and advisors.
PowerMoves.NOLA also helps entrepreneurs connect with funding opportunities by introducing them to angel investors, venture capital networks, and other potential sources of capital. Pitch events and showcases give founders a platform to present their businesses and build visibility within larger entrepreneurial networks.
In addition to mentorship and funding access, the program provides practical support such as workspace resources and technical assistance, helping startups focus on growth and long-term sustainability.
Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.)
1100 Poydras Street, Suite 3470
New Orleans, LA 70163
(504) 527-6900
Greater New Orleans, Inc. is a regional economic development organization that supports businesses across the 10-parish Greater New Orleans area. Their work focuses on helping companies start, stay, and grow in the region by connecting them with resources that improve competitiveness and long-term stability.
A major part of their support comes through business retention and expansion services. Through direct consultations, they work with local companies to understand challenges and link them with tools, programs, and partners that can help them continue operating and scaling in the region.
GNO, Inc. also helps businesses navigate incentive programs and cost-saving opportunities available through the state and local government. This can include tax credits, rebates, and other financial programs designed to support business investment and job creation.
In addition, the organization plays a strong role in workforce development by connecting employers with training providers, universities, and talent pipelines that align with local hiring needs. They also support market research efforts and provide data that helps businesses make informed decisions about expansion, hiring, and location strategy.
Louisiana Economic Development (LED)
1051 N. 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 342-3000
Louisiana Economic Development is the state’s lead agency focused on supporting business growth, innovation, and job creation across Louisiana, including the Greater New Orleans region. Their programs are designed to help small businesses strengthen operations, access funding, and connect with opportunities that support long-term success.
A key part of their support comes through the Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) program, which offers hands-on assistance for business owners. Participants can receive guidance in areas such as business planning, marketing, accounting, and day-to-day management to help build stronger, more sustainable operations.
LED also helps small businesses explore financing options through programs that include loans and early-stage capital support. These resources are designed to help entrepreneurs launch new businesses or expand existing ones when traditional financing may be limited.
In addition, the agency supports access to state contracting opportunities through certification programs that help small businesses become eligible to bid on government work. They also provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and regional business development support through partnerships with local and statewide organizations.
Arts New Orleans
1300 Perdido Street
(504) 523-1465
Arts New Orleans supports the city’s creative economy by advocating for artists, small creative businesses, and cultural organizations throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Their work focuses on strengthening the infrastructure that allows local creatives to build sustainable businesses and continue contributing to the region’s cultural and economic life.
A major part of their role is distributing funding to artists and small organizations through grant programs that support community-based projects, cultural programming, and creative business development. These resources help independent artists and small creative enterprises secure financial support to launch and sustain their work.
The organization also advocates for policies and investments that benefit the local creative sector, helping ensure that artists and small cultural businesses are included in broader economic development efforts. Their initiatives emphasize the importance of fair access to funding, space, and opportunity within the arts community.
Through public art programs and city partnerships, Arts New Orleans creates opportunities for local creatives to be commissioned for work that directly supports their livelihoods while contributing to the city’s public spaces and cultural identity.
Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) – The Shop at the CAC
900 Camp Street
(504) 528-3805
The Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans supports creative professionals and small businesses through its coworking and innovation space, The Shop at the CAC. Located in the Warehouse District, it serves as a hub for entrepreneurs working in the arts, culture, and creative industries across the Greater New Orleans area.
The space offers flexible work environments designed for a range of business needs, including private offices, shared desks, and open collaborative areas. Members also have access to meeting rooms, phone booths, and 24/7 workspace access, making it a practical option for growing teams and independent entrepreneurs.
Beyond physical space, The Shop at the CAC fosters a strong sense of community by bringing together a diverse group of creatives, startups, and small businesses. This environment encourages collaboration, idea-sharing, and professional connections that can support business growth.
Members also benefit from on-site amenities and services that support day-to-day operations, along with partnerships with local organizations that help strengthen opportunities within the creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA)
2700 N. Arnoult Road, Suite 220
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 454-2277
The Louisiana Restaurant Association supports restaurant owners and hospitality businesses across the state, including the Greater New Orleans region, by providing advocacy, resources, and industry-specific support. Their work is focused on helping food service businesses stay competitive, compliant, and sustainable in a fast-changing industry.
A major part of their support comes through advocacy efforts at the local and state level, where they represent the interests of restaurant operators on policies that impact labor, regulations, and business operations. This helps ensure that small hospitality businesses have a voice in decisions that affect their day-to-day work.
The association also offers access to cost-saving programs and industry-focused insurance options designed specifically for restaurant businesses. These resources help operators manage expenses and reduce operational risks while maintaining stability.
In addition, the LRA provides training, certification opportunities, and educational resources that support workforce development and operational best practices. Through its regional chapters, members can also connect with other business owners to share knowledge, build relationships, and strengthen the local hospitality community.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Louisiana District Office
500 Poydras Street, Suite 828
(504) 589-6685
The U.S. Small Business Administration supports entrepreneurs and small business owners in New Orleans by connecting them with funding opportunities, business guidance, and resources designed to help businesses start, grow, and recover from setbacks. Much of this support is delivered through partnerships with local organizations and financial institutions.
One of the SBA’s primary roles is helping businesses access financing. While it does not directly issue most loans, it works with banks and lenders to help guarantee loans, making it easier for small businesses and startups to secure the capital they need to operate or expand.
The agency also plays a critical role in disaster recovery across Louisiana. When storms or emergencies impact the region, the SBA provides low-interest, long-term loan options to help businesses, homeowners, and nonprofits rebuild and stabilize their operations.
In addition, the SBA supports small business development through training, counseling, and certification assistance for federal contracting opportunities. Local partners such as Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) Greater New Orleans Region and SCORE New Orleans help deliver free, one-on-one advising and workshops to entrepreneurs across the region.
Thrive New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
(504) 239-7477
Thrive New Orleans supports small businesses across the city by helping entrepreneurs build strong, sustainable companies—especially those in underserved communities and emerging green industries. Their programs are designed to move early-stage businesses toward long-term stability through training, coaching, and access to real economic opportunities.
A core part of their work is the Launch NOLA Business Academy, a structured training program that helps entrepreneurs develop foundational business skills such as planning, pricing, operations, and growth strategy. Participants receive hands-on support aimed at helping them formalize and strengthen their businesses.
Thrive also offers targeted support for businesses interested in environmental and climate-related industries. Through specialized training, entrepreneurs can learn how to position their companies for work in areas like sustainability, infrastructure resilience, and other green economy sectors.
In addition to training, the organization provides individualized technical assistance that helps business owners with financial organization, business compliance, and preparing for funding opportunities. They also work to connect trained entrepreneurs with contracting opportunities tied to local and regional projects, helping them gain practical pathways to revenue and growth.
At Get Online NOLA, we love helping the non-profits that make our city so special. These groups help our community, and we love to help them right back. Non-profits: Did you know that you may qualify for free advertising money from Google? This blog post about the Google Ads grant covers everything you need to know.
You don’t have to run your business alone! Reach out to these local small business resources when you’re in need of motivation, information, support, or guidance.
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