-
If you’re a small business owner in Louisiana, you know how tough it has been to keep afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that help is out there. You just have to apply for it.
Selly Foundation
The Selley Foundation (Selley) is a donor-advised fund of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. Selley Trustees review grant requests in the areas of education, arts, and in certain cases the environment.
The Doris and Peter Hansen Technical Assistance Fund
The Doris and Peter Hansen Technical Assistance Fund for Arts Organizations gives monetary support to New Orleans organizations sponsoring cultural activities in the fields of classical music, theater, and fine arts. Apply here.
Facebook Small Grants Program
Facebook is another company offering big money to businesses. This time, the social media giant has pledged $40 million in grants. How it works is that Facebook will give $4,000 grants ($2500 cash, $1500 in optional ads credits) to 10,000 qualifying small businesses to keep them afloat.
Interested in the Facebook Small Grants Program? Apply here.
GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund
GoFundMe has partnered with smaller stakeholders to offer the Small Business Relief Fund to those who apply. The grant gives those who are selected $500. Apply here.
Fearless Strivers Grant Contest
The Fearless Strivers Grant Contest is open only to black women who meet the eligibility requirements. You can get $10,000 if you are accepted.
Apply for the Fearless Strivers Grant Contest here.
Halstead Grant
The Halstead Grant is an annual award for emerging silver jewelry artists. Applicants submit answers to 15 business questions in addition to their design portfolios. The grand prize is a $7,500 cash grant plus other benefits.
The postmark deadline is August 1, 2022. Apply for a Halstead Grant here.
Visa • IFundWomen Grant
Visa is partnering with IFundWomen to offer grants to Black women-owned small businesses. The program is providing 10 grants of $10,000 each as well as one year of IFundWomen Annual Coaching Membership.
To qualify for the grant, you must:
- Be a Black woman
- Have a business up and running for at least two years
- Have a minimum annual revenue of at least $24,000
Apply for the Visa + IFundWomen Grant Here.
Hidden Star Minority Grant
Hidden Star is offering $3,500 grants for minority businesses. If you’re interested, apply for the Hidden Star grant.
Small Business Administration Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) provides funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses stay open. Food businesses may be eligible to get funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location.
Recipients don’t have to repay the grant if the money is used for eligible expenses by March 11, 2023.
Apply for the SBA Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Final Word
It’s not easy being a business owner in New Orleans or any city. Do you know of any other grant opportunities out there? Let us know in the comments.
More NolaFi.com Articles:
-
I think I speak for all when I say that unsolicited text messages can be annoying. Who are these people?
Well, in a word, they are most likely scammers trying to entrap you into giving up some sensitive personal information. One way they accomplish that is through a method called “smishing”
Smishing is basically when you receive a text message appearing to be legitimate, only to find out that it is from a fraudster. Usually, you find this out when it’s too late.
Why Am I Getting Spam Text Messages?
The reasons why you could be getting spam text messages are many: You could have shared your phone number on an unsecure website or to someone shiesty.
Another reason why you may be getting a lot of spam text messages may be because there’s an upcoming election in your area. Many political campaigns pay for phone lists so that volunteers can text and call potential voters.
When someone uses SMS methods, they may try to lure you into divulging your information by posing to be someone they’re not. This is called smishing.
The practice of smishing has been around for quite some time, but crooks continue to apply new twists to it.
How To Report Spam Texts
To report spam texts, all you have to do is copy the message and forward it to 7726 (SPAM). You can also alert the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
How To Protect Yourself
Here’s how to avoid smishing if you have one of the major wireless providers.
Verizon
Verizon says smishing, phishing, spam text messages and text scams are increasing. “Typically, smishing scammers will send you text messages that attempt to get you to click a link and then provide personal or financial information about yourself. Smishing is serious and can lead to identity theft,” the carrier says.
If you get a suspicious text message, Verizon wants you to forward it right away to S-P-A-M (7726).
T-Mobile
T-Mobile says if you download its Scam Shield app, you can you can take advantage of the wireless provider’s free mobile scam protection tools like:
- Scam Block and Caller ID
- Voicemail-to-text
- xxxx
T-Mobile says on its website. You can activate Scam Block and Caller ID, see the calls T-Mobile has blocked on your behalf, mark favorites, and report likely scam calls.
With the app, you can report likely scam calls as well as enable voicemail-to-text, providing voicemail transcripts in the Visual Voicemail app or via text.
AT&T
Here’s what AT&T calls this scam, “This is called SMiShing because texts are SMS or “short message system” messages.
AT&T says if you receive a suspicious text message, alert AT&T by forwarding the text to 7726 (SPAM). Messages forwarded to this number are free and will not count toward your text plan. If you get a suspicious email or text, do not reply. If you suspect you are a target of fraud on your AT&T mobile phone account, you can report it to our Fraud team here. If you suspect fraud on another account, call the customer service number on your bill for help.
Final Word
Criminals are always trying to get some money out of you, so you have to stay vigilant. If you get a text message from someone you don’t know, instead of clicking on the link, see if you can do a Google search to find the company and click there.
- Don’t trust text messages from strangers.
- Never send someone who only know through text messaging your personal information.
- Never click on a link sent to you from a suspicious number.
Any U.S. citizen who believes they are a victim of smishing, spam texts or even caller ID spoofing can file a report with the FCC Consumer Complaint Center. The FCC imposes a fine of up to $10,000 per violation.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
After a two-year hiatus, the Crescent City Classic is back in New Orleans this year. The event promises to be a fun time for walkers and runners alike.
What Is The Crescent City Classic?
The Crescent City Classic is a 10k road race that is a New Orleans tradition. The race is typically held annually on the Saturday before Easter Sunday.
Produced by The Crescent City Fitness Foundation, the event beckons athletes from all over the Southeast, but especially those who live in the local area.
How To Register
To register for the Crescent City Classic, click here. Entry fees range from $45 to $60.
Aside from a family-oriented race, there are a lot of things happening around the city.
If you really want to take things to the next level, you can go out to one of New Orleans’ notable dining spots.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
Comedian Chris Rock is embarking on a world tour for the first time in five years. His Ego Death tour has some key dates in big American cities, including New Orleans.
Rock has been to New Orleans many times over the years, but never with such interest. Sales of his Ego Death tour have skyrocketed since the incident at the Oscars.
When Will Chris Rock Perform In New Orleans?
Chris Rock is slated to perform in New Orleans on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Saenger Theatre. The shows starts at 8 p.m.
Who knows? If interest continues to climb, Rock may add another show here in New Orleans.
How To Get Tickets To See Chris Rock In New Orleans
To get tickets to see Chris Rock in New Orleans, you can buy them on the Fox Theatre’s website. The prices are $49.50 per ticket as of this writing.
Final Word
Rock has established himself as a bankable movie star in addition to a top-notch standup comedian. His hit TV show Everybody Hates Chris, which hilariously chronicled his childhood, ran four four seasons on The CW Network.
New Orleans has steadily built up a flow of TV and movie productions over the years. If you want to be an actor, the city has classes you can take as well as places that provide headshots and more. You can also audition at numerous casting calls to build your movie and TV reel.
More Articles From NolaFi.com:
-
Do you like donuts? The Underground Donut Tour is coming to the Big Easy. For the past seven years, the tour has been launching in cities in the Northeast and Midwest, like Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston. Now it’s time for New Orleans to get the sweets treatment!
Underground Donut Tours Launching in New Orleans
The Underground Donut Tours have attracted millions of people throughout the years to the best donut shops in the respective cities.
Attendees get to learn about the history of the business as well as taste the goodness of their donuts. Unlike the other cities, donut tours in New Orleans will include beignet shops as well.
“New Orleans is home to some of the best food, culture, nightlife, beignets, and donuts in the country. How could we not add it to our roster? Our team visited New Orleans just prior to COVID-19 and we were planning on opening this location in 2020, but those plans got postponed with everything going on. Thankfully, it looks like things are opening back up and we’re ready to welcome both locals and tourists alike to come and join us for a donut and beignet celebration!” said Jeff Woelker, founder of the Underground Donut Tour.
What Local Shops Will Participate?
Underground Donut Tours is undeground for a reason! Some shops are kept hidden until the day of the event.
Some of the locations include District Donuts and The Vintage with two other secret locations you’ll only learn about on the tour.
“I can’t wait to share the history of Magazine Street and the Garden District along with meeting many amazing guests. And how can I forget eating some fantastic donuts and beignets along the way?” said Jenn Johnson, tour manager for the Underground Donut Tour New Orleans.
When Do Tours Operate?
The Underground Donut Tours will start on Friday, April 15, 2022, and run year-round. Tours run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 a.m. and 10 am. to 12 noon. In the near future, more days and times will be added.
How To Get Tickets To New Orleans Underground Donut Tours
Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for kids 10 and under. Tickets can be booked at ndergrounddonuttour.com.
Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, so don’t miss out.
Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans
More From NolaFi.com:
-
Are you looking to get a position at a company in the New Orleans area? Amazon is looking to hire thousands of workers right now.
Read on to see how to apply to major companies that are currently hiring workers.
These jobs are a combination of delivery and customer service positions that deal with items or products in high demand due to the government’s insistence on social distancing.
These Jobs Are Hiring In New Orleans Right Now
If you’re looking for work, here’s where the jobs are:
- Amazon: The world’s largest online retailer is hiring for 33,000 positions as people order more on the internet during this time.
- Dunkin Donuts: The chain is adding 25,000 people starting immediately.
- Dollar Tree and Dollar General: The stores are both hiring associates and other positions
- Domino’s:The popular pizza chain has plenty of openings right now.
- CVS: The company is looking to fill 25,000 clinical and retail jobs during a one-day national career event.
- Home Depot: The home improvement company is adding full- and part-time positions. Here’s how to get hired there.
- Kroger: The grocery chain is hiring 10,000 full- and part-time workers for their retail stores, manufacturing plants and distribution centers.
- Lowe’s: The home improvement store is hiring 20,000 people for the holidays.
- Pizza Hut: The popular pizza chain has plenty of openings right now. Apply for a job by clicking the link.
- Papa John’s: The popular pizza chain has plenty of openings right now.
- Ulta: The cosmetics company is still hiring associates to join the in celebrating the holiday with fellow beauty loving enthusiasts!
- Walgreens: The store ave openings to help with the increased demand we are seeing in our retail stores and distribution center
Metro New Orleans has a hot economy and that means employers are hiring at a rapid pace. We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.
Final Word
New Orleans is one of those cities that you can get lost in once you take the time to explore it. There are some jobs out there. If you can’t catch on with a full-time employer, here are the best freelance jobs currently.
The best way to search for a job is to take advantage of the people in your life. Think about where you worship, where you shop and those that you know. Oftentimes, those people will know someone who’s hiring and can refer you.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
Actor Anthony Mackie is giving back to his hometown in a big way.
The Marvel Studios actor recently purchased some land in New Orleans and reportedly has big plans for it.Actor Anthony Mackie Plans Movie Studio In New Orleans
The New Orleans-born actor is the proud new owner of 20 acres in New Orleans East, where he plans to start a movie studio.According to news reports, the actor told media outlets through his agent that any plans for the property were premature. Mackie’s production company is reportedly called East Studios LLC, at the location.
According to the New Orleans Advocate, the acreage is located on the I-10 Service Road at Read Boulevard, near the Little Woods neighborhood, according to land records.
Mackie has had an intimate look at the Marvel machine, having starred in several Captain America and Avengers titles for the comic book behemoths.
It remains to be seen what Mackie will ultimately do with the property.
Final Word
New Orleans has a very successful film industry that routinely snags big-budget films thanks to a generous state tax break the productions receive.More NolaFi.com Articles:
-
A handful of New Orleans-area chefs and restaurants have made the cut as 2022 James Beard Award finalists, the group announced this week.
Whittled from an exhaustive list, the local finalists have a chance to take home the top prize and cement New Orleans’ place on the map as a bona fide cultural mecca with top-notch restaurants with diverse cuisine.
When Will The James Beard Awards Be Announced?
The winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
And The New Orleans James Beard Award Finalists Are…
Atlanta’s are among the top eateries up for Outstanding Wine Program.
Outstanding Restaurant
Brennan’s, New Orleans
Emerging Chef
Serigne Mbaye, Dakar Nola, New Orleans
Best Chef: South
- Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith, Saint-Germain, New Orleans
- Melissa M. Martin, Mosquito Supper Club, New Orleans
- Isaac Toups, Toups’ Meatery, New Orleans
Here Is The Complete 2022 List Of James Beard Award Finalists
From the Best Chefs to the top bar programs, the James Beard Awards exemplify the utmost of America’s food culture, which New Orleans plays a big part in.
Here is the complete list of James Beard Award nominees for 2022.
Final Word
The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports culinary excellence of America’s chefs and food businesses.
If your favorite New Orleans chef or restaurant didn’t’ make the list, make it your business to support them sometime soon.
New Orleans’ food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
Looking for more places to eat in Nola? Here Are Some Top Desserts To Order In New Orleans.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
The City of New Orleans has announced that it has lifted the indoor mask mandate which went into effect two years ago. The city says that you do not have to wear a mask indoors at public facilities. The mandate went into effect Thursday, March 3, 2022.
In 2020, the mask mandate became necessary due to the rapid case increase of New Orleans residents infected with the Omicron variant in the city.
Do I Have To Wear A Mask In New Orleans?
You do not have to wear a mask in New Orleans, however, there are exceptions: Children ages 2 and older on public transportation, and in healthcare facilities and long-term care settings must continue to wear a mask.
What Was New Orleans’ Mask Mandate?
The New Orleans mask mandate said that people who attended indoor or outdoor events of more than 500 individuals were strongly recommended to wear masks, according to the city. The masks were to be worn through the duration of the event. The only exception was when someone is actively eating or drinking.
The mask mandate was a part of the New Orleans COVID restrictions instituted by the Mayor’s Office.
The city remains in a modified Phase 3 protocol, which means the reinstatement of the indoor mask mandate as well as proof of vaccine or negative test required for some activities.
CDC’s independent advisory committee, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, continue to meet about the use of COVID-19 vaccines.
You can expect further recommendations on the use of boosters for the public.
Final Word
New Orleans health officials say that proof of vaccination or negative tests will be required at all indoor social gatherings at establishments like restaurants and bar.
According to the CDC,, the fight against COVID-19 continues. Here is where to get a booster shot in New Orleans.
More From NolaFi.com:
-
New Orleans has some of the best chefs in the United States and the world. The latest list of James Beard semifinalists make that point very well. It includes several chefs and eateries from New Orleans.
Here Is The 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalists From New Orleans
Here are the New Orleans restaurants and chefs that made the list:
- Brennan’s, New Orleans (Outstanding Restaurant)
- Serigne Mbaye, Dakar Nola, New Orleans (Emerging Chef)
- Fritai, New Orleans (Best New Restaurant)
- Lengua Madre, New Orleans (Best New Restaurant)
- Avenue Pub, New Orleans (Outstanding Bar Program)
- Blake Aguillard and Trey Smith, Saint-Germain, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Hao Gong, LUVI Restaurant, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Michael Nelson, GW Fins, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Melissa M. Martin, Mosquito Supper Club, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Allison Richard, High Hat Cafe, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
- Isaac Toups, Toups’ Meatery, New Orleans (Best Chef: South)
Final Word
Being named a finalist for a James Beard Award is a great honor. Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 13, 2022, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
More Articles:
