Black entrepreneurs and business owners are getting pushed out of New Orleans as gentrification brings an influx of affluent white newcomers to the city and real estate becomes more expensive. Businesses owned by people of color have shuttered in historically Black neighborhoods including Treme, St. Roch, and Gentilly.
Although 40 percent of the city’s businesses are Black-owned, they receive only 2 percent of business, said Trace Allen, neighborhood program manager at Propeller, a 501c3 nonprofit, business incubator, and coworking space that addresses economic disparity and racial justice in New Orleans.
To combat gentrification on South Broad Street, Propeller launched South Broad Business Initiative (SBBI), a free five-month program that provides technical support, co-working space, and mentorship to entrepreneurs of color.
“When a brick and mortar succeeds, there are long-lasting positive effects,” said Catherine Gans, marketing and communications manager at Propeller. “Longterm, looking at the (SBBI) program, we hope to provide our businesses with the opportunity to become neighborhood anchors.”
Below, find a list of SBBI-supported businesses bringing “equitable economic development to their neighborhood.”
Black Entrepreneurs fighting gentrification in New Orleans
A Priority One (209 S. Broad Street) is a local family-owned and operated rental car company providing low rates for daily and weekly rentals since 2001.
NOLA Organic Spa (213 S. Broad Street)
Mackie One Construction (4014 Erato Street)
Emerald Services (4134 Washington Avenue) is a financial services company that provides tax preparation, bookkeeeping, and credit repair to individuals, as well as small businesses.
We Bleed Ink Tattoo Shop (4140 Washington Avenue) is a premier tattoo and piercing studio with a focus on high quality, custom artwork and impeccable customer service.
The Godbarber Beauty Salon (219 S. Broad Street)
Daiquiri Lounge (4201 Washington Avenue)
Umoja Visions (4101 Washington Ave ) manufactures and sells a comprehensive hair care treatment system for men, women, and children with excessively curly hair.
Chef D’z Café (424 S. Broad Street) is a full service restaurant and catering company.
Custom Optical (3137 Benefit Street)
All-Pro Maintenance (2915 Perdido Street)
The Lipstiq Lady Cosmetics provides high-quality, non-toxic, vibrant hair and skin care products.
Business owners of color can apply for the SBBI program here.
Source: Curbed New Orleans
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