The National Urban League, BP America and the Urban League of Greater New Orleans Bring the Gulf Coast Economic Empowerment Tour to New Orleans

Section: Community

The National Urban League

The National Urban League, BP America,
and the Urban League of Greater New Orleans
Bring the Gulf Coast Economic Empowerment Tour to New Orleans

$3.2 million BP Grant Opens Doors for Small and Minority-Owned Businesses
to Rebuild New Orleans and the GulfCoast Region


New Orleans, LA – Not even Hurricane Katrina can keep the people or businesses of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region down. It’s no secret that $10 billion worth of public and private projects are up for grabs as the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast kicks into high gear.

After receiving a grant of $3.2 million from the BP Foundation, the National Urban League and BP America have developed the Gulf Coast Economic Empowerment Program to help small and minority-owned businesses become part of the rebuilding process. The program offers training and resource support, enabling the businesses to pursue and secure contracting opportunities and resources in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast in the housing and construction industry sectors.

Small and minority business owners can become a part of this important program initiative by attending the National Urban League’s Gulf Coast Economic Empowerment Tour, powered by BP and co-sponsored by the Urban League of Greater New Orleanson October 16th in New Orleans, Louisiana.

During this event, small and minority business owners will:

Learn about gaining access to contracting opportunities created by the recovery effort,
meet with people representing government agencies and corporations who are planning and managing major rebuilding projects in the Gulf Coast region, and who are also providing business resources and procurement opportunities,
receive matchmaking prospects, and
participate in one-on-one networking sessions.
As part of the Gulf Coast Economic Empowerment Program, business owners will receive consultations and recommendations on improving their business, targeted opportunity notifications, back office operations, technical assistance, tailored services and assessments along with periodic reviews.

The Gulf Coast Economic Empowerment Program is FREE to small and minority-owned businesses, but registration is required. For more information, call 504-529-9890 or visit www.nul.org.

WHO: The National Urban League, BP America, and the Urban League
of Greater New Orleans

WHAT: The Gulf Coast Economic Empowerment Tour

WHEN: Tuesday, October 16, 2007, 8:00am – 12:30pm

PRESS CONFERENCE: 10:00am-10:30am

WHERE: New Orleans Marriott Hotel – Preservation Hall Ballroom
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130