-
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:
-
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:
-
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:
-
adventure / culture / Events / general / Health / lifestyle / mood / news / Where To Eat
February 21, 2022
4 Min ReadCarnival is one of the most celebratory times in not only Louisiana, but across the South. If you’re headed to New Orleans for the festivities, you should have a plan on what you’d like to do (and eat).
Mardi Gras 2022: What To Do And Where To Eat
This article will show you some of the best places to visit and the top restaurants to eat at during your visit to New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
Table of Contents:
When is Mardi Gras 2022?
Mardi Gras 2022 is Tuesday, March 1, aka Fat Tuesday. But in the city, related events such as shows, parties, pageants and parades stretch two weeks before and after. Sometimes, events can go until Easter.
Where To Visit New Orleans For Mardi Gras
Now that we’re straight on the dates, let’s talk about some must-visits for your trip.
French Quarter
One of the most famous districts in the world, New Orleans’ French Quarter is where you’ll find street dancers, a second-line band playing into the night and strong hurricane drinks. While there’s no big “thing” to visit or see in the French Quarter, just being around the area can yield some treasures for the observant person.
Pitot House
1440 Moss St, New Orleans, LA 70119 | (504) 482-0312
If you want a dose of antebellum history, the Pitot House in New Orleans fits the bill. The historic landmark is an 18th-century Creole colonial country home and makes for a great weekend stop.
Take A Swamp Tour
When you come to Nola, there are few things as bayou-authentic as a swamp tour. You’ll enjoy the time outdoors, get a real taste of the bayou and even get to see some alligators.
Here are some top swamp tour companies:
- New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours | (504) 571-9975
- Bayou Swamp Tours | (504) 370-8771
- Gators & Ghosts: A New Orleans Tour Company
Eat Some Beignets At Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is known around the world as having some of the best powdered dumplings — beignets — you can find outside of France.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cafe Du Monde. “What else can I say that hasn’t already been said. This place is an absolute must despite the touristy crowd. The jazz band that sits on the sidewalk out front adds the perfect level of cover from the hustling and bustling sounds of the street.”
Where To Eat In New Orleans For Mardi Gras
Now let’s get into some great places to eat in New Orleans right now.
Brennan’s
417 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 525-9711
Here’s what one reviewer says about Brennan’s: “Design of the restaurant is really good. Service was decent. However I did not like the food. Whether that was my fried rabbit particularly or the oil they use, I just stayed hungry.”
Cochon Restaurant
930 Tchoupitoulas St suite a, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 588-2123
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cochon: “Our experience at Cochon was pleasant. Service was quick and food was delicious. Drinks are also well crafted. The oysters on garlic chili oil was a winner. The alligator was different. If you don’t mind eating alligator then it’s probably good. Just not for me.”
Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 899-8221
Here’s what one customer says about Commander’s Palace: “Commander’s Palace was a lovely dining experience- the ambiance was great, our waiter had a dynamite personality, and we had fun having an excuse to dress up! I forget the details but I believe the sourcing of the meat was local/organic if they possibly could which I thought was nice. Also, the bread pudding was delicious!”
Doris Metropolitan New Orleans
620 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | : (504) 267-3500
Here’s what one customer says about Doris: “This place was incredible. The service was excellent. The food was… I swear I died and am presently a ghost. The desert was so so so rich, but so incredibly good.
Absolutely hit this place up if you are looking to dine high quality.”Final Word
New Orleans is known as a party city, but a celebratory city is a much more accurate word. Mardi Gras marks one of the largest celebrations in the world and it happens every year right here in New Orleans.
More Articles:
-
With Mardi Gras gearing up around the city, you may be down for a more tamer celebration of New Orleans. It’s called Family Gras and we’re going to tell you all about it.
What Is Family Gras?
Like its name implies, Family Gras is a celebration that mimicks the wilder Mardi Gras, but it’s more age-appropriate for children.
Family Gras celebrations typically take place the weekend before Mardi Gras, and that’s the case this year.
When Is Family Gras?
Family Gras is the weekend of February 18-20, 2022 around New Orleans. The family tradition stretches back several years as a way to give the kids something to do while the grown-ups party up.
Where Is Family Gras This Year?
This year the big Family Gras celebration is back in Metarie. Here are the details.
Metairie: Friday through Sunday, come out to Metairie’s Family Gras celebration, which takes place at Mardi Gras Plaza on the 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
Come watch to Elite Redfish Series Mardi Gras Cup weigh-ins at the Berkley Fishing Experience Tanks at 4pm, followed by the New Orleans Artists’ Tribute to Allen Toussaint at 5pm, the legendary Marie Osmond at 6pm, & the Krewes of Excalibur and Symphony parades closing out the night. Learn more.
Final Word
Family Gras is a great event to spend some time with your family. Come out for the live music, crowds and big fun. Looking for more to do in New Orleans? We’ve got you.
Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans
More From NolaFi.com:
-
The Tennessee Williams Fest is coming this spring to New Orleans. The annual event will once again feature a who’s who of popular musicians and artists.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the five-day festival in New Orleans.
Everything You Need To Know About The Tennessee Williams Festival
The Tennessee Williams Fest is a five-day fesrival that focuses on contemporary literature, culture, and theatre. Now in its 36th year, festival has some great things you need to know about.
The annual Tennessee Williams Tribute Reading returns with Williams’ poetry, prose, and letters, as well as some surprising reviews, critical responses, adaptations, draft material, and playful insights into the enduring cultural reception of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Readers include Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Jericho Brown, Michael Cerveris, Brenda Currin, Jewelle Gomez, among others.TWFest is hosting “Cocktails with Tennessee: Making Magic Happen With 4 Drinks Inspired by His Characters.” Bakery Bar’s Joe Witkowski, will meld his bartending and theatrical skills to create one-of-a-kind cocktails. Sue Strachan, author of “The Café Brûlot,” will join him at New Orleans’ classic restaurant, Antoine’s.
When Is The Tennessee Williams Fest?
The Tennessee Williams Fest is Wednesday, March 23, 2022 to Sunday, March 27, 2022. This year’s festival is honoring the 75th anniversary of the iconic play, A Streetcar Named Desire.
Who Is Performing At The Tennessee Williams Fest?
The artists performing at the Tennessee Williams Fest include Constance Adler, Jamie Attenberg, Mary Mayhew Bergman, Rick Bragg, Tyler Bridges, Elizabeth Miki Brina, Jericho Brown, Michael Cerveris, Craig Colten, Augustin J Correro, Brenda Currin, Peter Ho Davies, Mary Gauthier, Jewelle Gomez, Peter Hagan, Miles Harvey, Ladee Hubbard, Rickie Lee Jones, Errol Laborde, Zachary Lazar, Robert Mann, Eric Nguyen, Glen Pitre, Betsy Prioleau, Kathy Randels, Nathaniel Rich, Gary Richards, Farrah Rochon, Tom Sancton, Kalamu Ya Salaam, Timothy Schaffert, Katie Simpson Smith, Oliver Thomas, Poppy Tooker, Esmé Weijun Wang, David Williams and many more.
Where Will The Tennessee Williams Fest Take Place?
The Tennessee Williams Fest will take place in the French Quarter, for the most part. Many downtown New Orleans hotels will be venues, including Hotel Monteleone, the Festival’s host hotel; The Historic New Orleans Collection; Williams Research Center; the New Orleans Jazz Museum; Beauregard-Keyes House; Muriel’s Jackson Square; and Palm Court Jazz Cafe; among others.
How To Get Tickets To The Tennessee Williams Fest?
Festival Tickets will go on sale mid-February. Prices for most individual events range from $10 to $45. For more information and a full listing of events visit tennesseewilliams.net.
Final Word
The Tennessee Williams Fest isn’t the only thing happening in New Orleans. The city practically has a party every night, not to mention the many rowdy restaurants that offer a great meal and a good time.
More From NolaFi.com:
