Restaurant Grants Available: APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the NGLCC FOOD: Fueling Opportunities for Owner Development Program, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund presented in partnership with NOLAC and supported by the Grubhub Community Fund. This year’s program features a refreshed structure with two e-learning cohorts, providing restaurants with not only funding but also training and peer learning opportunities to help strengthen and sustain their businesses. Eligible restaurants can apply for grants
Hidden Bottlenecks That Quietly Drain Small Businesses — and How to Fix Them
Small businesses across Jefferson Parish thrive on grit, community, and ingenuity. Yet even the most passionate entrepreneurs often find themselves stuck — not because of market forces, but because of internal friction. These hidden bottlenecks lurk inside everyday workflows: slow approvals, outdated payments, messy communication threads. The cost isn’t just time — it’s confidence, momentum, and mental space.TL;DR Most small-business slowdowns aren’t caused by competitors — they’re caused by invisible
Strong Systems, Strong Growth: How Marketing Firms Can Succeed Long-Term
Starting or scaling a marketing firm is an exciting leap—but one that requires more than just creative campaigns. Long-term success depends on a blend of strategic client development, sound financial management, talent protection, and consistent delivery of results. The firms that thrive balance operational excellence with creative expertise, ensuring they can grow sustainably in a competitive industry. Building a Reliable Client Pipeline For a new or growing firm, one of the most pressing questions
The Pitch Isn’t the Deck: Rethinking How You Present to Clients
The art of persuasion isn’t dead—it’s just buried under too many bland slide decks. Client presentations, once full of promise, now often limp along with the same tired templates, forgettable phrasing, and vague value propositions. The problem rarely lies in the product or idea; it’s in how that product or idea gets delivered. To stand out today, a deck needs more than clean design and bullet points—it needs emotional weight, strategic timing, and a clear sense of audience understanding. This isn't about
Making Your Small Business Shine on Social Media Without Breaking the Bank
It’s easy to believe that a professional social media presence demands a professional budget. Between paid collaborations, sleek video production, and branded graphics on every post, it can seem like a game only the well-funded get to play. But for small business owners, the good news is that polish isn’t reserved for the rich—it’s available to the consistent, the clever, and the intentional. By treating your digital front porch with care, there’s a way to present like a pro without spending like
Why Financial Fluency Is a Survival Skill for Today’s Small Business Owner
When a small business launches, it doesn’t just enter the market—it enters a maze. Navigating that maze demands more than good ideas or hard work; it demands a clear understanding of how money flows, grows, and disappears. The reason some businesses thrive while others stumble often comes down to how well owners grasp financial realities, not just dreams. It's not just about bookkeeping—it's about thinking like a strategist with a calculator in hand. Budgeting as a Blueprint, Not a Buzzkill Most people
Letting Customers Lead: How Real Voices Can Drive Your Brand Forward
For many small businesses in Jefferson Parish, the next great marketing breakthrough isn’t hiding in a software upgrade or new ad campaign. It’s already happening in their storefronts, their inboxes, and across their community. It lives in the voices of loyal customers, inspired clients, and proud collaborators. When you let them tell your story, something powerful happens: trust increases, engagement grows, and your brand becomes a shared experience instead of a solo broadcast.TL;DR: Let Others Tell Your
Challenging the Giants: How Small Businesses Are Winning Smarter, Not Louder
In the marketplace, size tends to dominate perception. A sprawling budget, a recognizable brand, and the power to outprice competitors can feel like unfair advantages stacked in favor of large corporations. But in today’s tech-savvy, strategy-rich environment, smaller businesses aren’t just holding their own—they’re rewriting the playbook. It’s not about matching big companies stride for stride; it’s about learning to pivot faster, think sharper, and adopt tools that create leverage without needing
The Intern Playbook: Smart Hiring and Onboarding Strategies That Work
Internships are often treated as a revolving door—students cycle in, do their time, and cycle out. But what if you saw interns as more than temporary talent? What if you treated them as potential long-term assets rather than just short-term help? The difference between a forgettable internship and one that builds lasting relationships lies in how you hire and onboard. It’s not just about getting them in the door; it’s about making them feel like they belong from day one. Hire for Curiosity, Not Just
Capture Attention at Trade Shows with Innovative Digital Marketing
Trade shows are vibrant arenas where brands vie for attention and connection. In this dynamic setting, digital tools offer a strategic advantage, enabling businesses to craft memorable experiences and foster meaningful interactions. By integrating technology into your trade show approach, you can enhance engagement, streamline operations, and leave a lasting impression on attendees. From digital brochures to AI-driven recommendations, these tools not only modernize your presence but also align with the
Streamline Your Operations with a Digital Paperless Approach
Businesses are recognizing the value of moving away from paper-based processes in favor of digital solutions. This change simplifies workflows while supporting environmentally conscious practices, balancing efficiency with sustainability. Embracing digital tools helps reduce expenses, improve flexibility, and strengthen data protection measures. The decision to go paperless signifies more than just a technological update, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. Such a shift demonstrates
Small Business Growth: Essential Factors to Ensure a Smooth Expansion
Expanding a small business is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful planning and foresight. Rushing into growth without a clear strategy can lead to costly mistakes, missed opportunities, and even financial instability. To ensure a smooth and successful expansion, small business owners need to consider several critical factors, from market analysis to operational scalability. Understanding these elements can help create a solid foundation for sustainable growth, setting your business on the
