
Startup Noir Nola wants to be where the money resides.
Greater New Orleans Inc. launched a new program, Startup Noir NOLA, to help New Orleans business owners obtain greater access to capital funding, according to NOLA.
Startup Noir NOLA offers an internship to HBCU students to help teach the ins and outs of venture capitalism and investments. The organization has curated educational meetups and professional networking sessions to help entrepreneurs share knowledge. The functions also serve as a space to connect business owners with potential investors.
Startup Noir NOLA hopes to make Greater New Orleans a fertile ground for new Black-owned startups.
“We want to be conveners for the entire startup ecosystem with an emphasis on Black founders,” said Daphine Barnes, who runs the initiative. “We are committed to providing a space for founders to have access to capital and to know there’s a space for them to launch and scale their ventures in Greater New Orleans.”
New Orleans is a city where Black excellence thrives. Home to 3 HBCUs and an eclectic music and food culture, Startup Noir Nola welcomes budding business owners to plant their roots in the crescent city.
Dr. T.J. Breeden, founder of Fuze Fund, wants to ignite potential in the Black business community. Formerly an employee of Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc., Breeden saw the lack of resources for underrepresented communities, veterans, and women.
Dr. Breeden’s goal is much the same as Startup Noir Nola. The CEO wants to create a “comprehensive ecosystem where diverse founders have the guidance, resources, and partnerships they need to navigate and scale growth.”
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Source: Black Enterprise