"Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and when we invest in their success, we're investing in a stronger economy and quality of life, benefiting people across the region."
So says the executive director of the Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded by Regions Bank, in announcing a $100,000 grant to help small businesses in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, La., grow.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports on the collaboration between Thrive NOLA, the Propeller, and Fund 17 Together, which aims "to address the specific needs of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) small-business owners who have historically faced more limited access to capital needed for business growth."
Per a press release, these small-business owners will receive "technical assistance and support from local lenders" to help them access capital, among other things.
"We are immensely proud to be a catalyst that helps small businesses access the capital they need to turn their dreams into reality," says Chuck Morse, executive director of Thrive New Orleans.
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Three social enterprises were recognized at the 2013 President’s Challenge Social Enterprise Award for their major contributions to society. SATA CommHealth and Bliss Restaurant landed Social Enterprise of the Year titles, while Bettr Barista Coffee Academy bagged the award for Social Enterprise Start-up of the Year.