Business Resources

Localism 101

Reports & Studies

Report: Amazon’s Toll Road. Amazon’s dominance of online retail places Amazon in position as gatekeeper, and it is pocketing a growing cut of the revenue earned by independent sellers on the platform. Operating an unregulated, monopoly tollbooth that sits between businesses and consumers is wildly lucrative. Amazon’s revenue from the tolls it imposes on sellers has soared, growing much faster than every other major revenue stream, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), its vast cloud division. Check out this report written by The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR), a national nonprofit research and educational organization.

The Power of Local: 3 Reasons to Rethink Your Amazon Account (2017) -  It seems like you can buy anything online these days, but there are some things Amazon cannot deliver. Independent businesses beat Amazon in job creation, economic impact, and diversity. Get the facts about the power of local, and learn why independent businesses are crucial to our community’s success. See the presentation or skim the fact sheet.

How Rising Commercial Rents Are Threatening Independent Businesses, and What Cities Are Doing About It (2016)- ILSR’s report examines how high rents are shuttering businesses and stunting entrepreneurship, and explores 6 strategies that cities are using to create an affordable built environment where local businesses can thrive.

Thinking Outside the Box (2009) - This local study was undertaken to provide the people and policy makers of New Orleans with tangible economic guidance in choosing between strategies to restore commercial services to the entire city.

Readings on Localism

Our Black Year One Family’s Quest to Buy Black in America’s Racially Divided Economy by Maggie Anderson

The Living City: How America’s Cities Are Being Revitalized by Thinking Small in a Big Way by Roberta Brandes Gratz

Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local and Helped Save an American Town by Beth Macy

Big-Box Swindle: The True Cost of Mega-Retailers and the Fight for America’s Independent Businesses by Stacy Mitchell

Sustainable Communities: Creating a Durable Local Economy by Rhonda Phillips, Bruce Seifer, Ed Antczak

The Small Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Competition by Michael Shuman

Local Dollars, Local Sense: How to Shift Your Money from Wall Street to Main Street and Achieve Real Prosperity by Michael Shuman

Organizations & Policy Groups

A Washington DC organization that lobbies federal and state governments on behalf of businesses who support economically and environmentally sustainable policies. Learn more →

These guys help all of the StayLocal-type organizations around the country by providing us with resources, news, tips and tools to help our organizations and the businesses we serve thrive. Learn more →

They focus on prosperity for all by connecting leaders, spreading solutions, and driving investment toward local economies, local food systems, and more. Learn more →

A comprehensive website full of great info and resources dedicated to all things localism. For over 40 years they have worked to provide innovative strategies, working models and timely information to support environmentally sound and equitable community development. Learn more →

The NC3 aims to move a significant portion of the estimated $40+ trillion Americans have in long-term savings from Wall Street to local and social entrepreneurs, and to inspire similar shifts worldwide. Learn more →

Technical Service Providers

A nonprofit organization combating opportunity inequality in the seventeen wards of New Orleans by providing micro-entrepreneurs financial and educational tools for self-empowerment. They prioritize informal, home-based, and small-scale businesses seeking to transform "hustles" into viable enterprises that can support any vision for the future. Learn more →

GoBe is a non-profit that aspires to help minority- and women-owned businesses start, grow, and succeed. They help strengthen members’ skills, increase their market connections, and promote economic inclusion. Learn more →

The GNO Urban League offers free or low-cost assistance and business training through its Business Resource and Entrepreneurship Center. They offer programs in the areas of education and youth development, workforce and economic development, public policy and advocacy initiatives. Learn more →

Idea Village is committed to sustaining the local entrepreneurial movement by providing direct services to entrepreneurs, engaging the community, and supporting initiatives that leverage entrepreneurship to catalyze change. Learn more →

Learn about everything from tax and permitting requirements to incentive programs and small business training. Louisiana Economic Development’s mission is to cultivate jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana. Learn more →

A free three-month program hosted by Delgado Community College that provides top-notch, hands-on training and professional support to help New Orleans businesses grow. Learn more →

Propeller is a nonprofit that grows and supports entrepreneurs to tackle social and environmental disparities. Through its Social Venture Fund, Propeller addresses inequities in access to capital, and offers a unique opportunity for investment in the green infrastructure business sector. Learn more →

Provides quality one-on-one consulting, training and information resources to help Louisiana businesses start, grow and succeed. LSBDC coaching is tailored to a business, for example providing specific support in the food service sector. A partnership with Xavier University of Louisiana, Division of Business. Learn more →

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. Learn more →

SCORE is a respected association of volunteer business executives providing FREE or low-cost confidential, professional business advice, workshops and mentors to entrepreneurs and business owners. Learn more →

SUNO offers workshops and free consulting services to fuel the establishment and growth of small businesses. Whether you are considering starting a business for the first time or considering ways to grow your established business, we will connect you with the resources and tools to help your business prosper and grow. Learn more →

The Loyola University Law School's Incubator Program matches Loyola Law School graduates who are engaged, or seek to be engaged, in a full time, social justice oriented solo practice in the Greater New Orleans area with people in need of their services. To participate, contact Judson Mitchell at jmitchel@loyno.edu. Learn more →

Launch NOLA offers a 14-week Business Academy offered in the evenings to those interested in starting a business, or planning healthy growth for a business already established. Launch works with entrepreneurs of color and women entrepreneurs, and also offers at Green Business Academy. Urban Conservancy is proud to work as a stakeholders together with Launch NOLA to build a more equitable future for New Orleans. Learn more →

TruFund is a non-profit that promotes and fosters economic development within underserved communities and among disadvantaged populations. They provide innovative financial solutions that have TruImpact, revitalize communities and create jobs. Learn more →

LiftFund is a multi-state small business lender that helps new and existing entrepreneurs successfully grown their business. They are committed to empowering diverse individuals and small businesses through affordable lending and business development services. Learn more →

Local Organizations

Government Resources

Local

ReadyBiz Videos
ReadyBIZ is a project by StayLocal in partnership with the City of New Orleans One Stop Shop. The project is a tool to better prepare and orient entrepreneurs before they visit City Hall and a guide for business technical assistance providers and One Stop Shop staff to assist entrepreneurs. Click to view on StayLocal’s YouTube.

City of New Orleans One Stop Shop for Permits and Licenses 
The City’s website for managing existing permits/licenses, applying for new ones, or finding info on what’s required to start a business.

Guide to Doing Business in New Orleans
Your guide to license & permitting, incorporating, funding, and state & federal economic development program information. The Guide also includes a "Business Resource Guide" that lists companies, organizations, and entities dedicated to assisting businesses in every phase of development.

Mayor’s Office of Economic Development 
The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development attracts, retains, and grows business in New Orleans. They host quarterly events and develop original resources to foster an inclusive economy where all New Orleanians have access to quality amenities in their neighborhoods and a good-paying job.

State

geauxBIZ 
This website is your one-stop site for launching your new business in the state of Louisiana. On the website you can make key financial and legal decisions, reserve a business name, register your business with the Louisiana Secretary of State, the Louisiana Department of Revenue, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and file amendments.

Louisiana Secretary of State
This page is a clearinghouse for all business related information, from searching the State’s database, filing a business online to business licensing information. Access is also available to their Administrative Services department for service of process information and UCC department.

National 

Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency 
Comprehensive database of state/federal incentive programs, local policies, requirements and other existing initiatives supporting renewables and energy efficiency for businesses.

Dept. of Labor Employment Law Guide
Describes the major statutes and regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that affect businesses and workers.

Dept. of Labor First Step Employment Law Advisor
Helps employers determine which major federal employment laws and guidelines apply to their business or organization.

IRS for Businesses
The IRS website provides all of the tax information businesses need to know, straight from the source. Make sure to check out IRS Checklist for Starting a Business.

US Small Business Administration (SBA)
Provides small business loans and a ton of info on government contracting and starting and running a successful business.

Small Business Development Center Greater New Orleans and Bayou Region
This resource site is a national information clearinghouse with incredible amounts of tools and information.

 Tenant/Landlord Relationship: How to Talk About Commercial Rent In Light of Covid-19

Step 1: Prepare

Do these things before you communicate with your landlord.

A. Read your lease

Read the lease you were provided by your landlord or ask your landlord for a copy if you cannot find it.

When reading the lease, you will likely not find any language specific to this unprecedented situation.  You may, however, have the opportunity to isolate sections of the lease you could find pertinent to your situation in the coming months.

B. Document your financial position

Present a cash flow statement, P&L, or simply a letter or other document demonstrating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on your business.  State whether you are open or closed. If open, state the changes to your sales that are a result of the pandemic.

Be sure whatever document you present reflects all pertinent Covid-19 related developments, for example, that sales tax due date was extended or you’ve applied for a business loan.  Don’t forget any duplication of or increase in costs (internet service upgrade, supplies to ship products being sold online, etc.)

Step 2: Talk to Your Landlord

Prepare a thorough but not overly formal email proposing how much rent abatement you are requesting.  If you speak by phone, take notes or record the conversation with your landlord’s consent (also recorded), then send an email stating what you propose.

Step 3: Make a Positive Contribution

Base the negotiation with your landlord on what you know now, even if you think circumstances may change and loan funds become available. This is the first of likely many steps you will make in continuing to maintain a positive relationship with your landlord.

While you are not obligated to explain the details of your business operations, you must consider that you have information about your business that your landlord does not know--just as your landlord’s full financial situation is unknown to you. 

This is where providing your own financial document(s) which demonstrate the pandemic’s impact on your business is essential.  

• Share/demonstrate current impact: i.e.: we have been forced to close/limit operations. Sales have dropped X%. 

• Share tentative plans/ strategies you’re going to use to attempt to pay rent, such as applying for SBA loans, looking for assistance from distributors, etc. 

• In order to provide evidence, be prepared to provide P&L statement, # of employees, cash flow statement

Step 4: Create a Plan of Action

Consider the following when creating your proposed plan of action:

• Try to keep your rent payment plan simple, providing your landlord an expectation of how you will pay rent for the next 1-2 months.  With as much uncertainty as the pandemic has brought, you want to limit the amount of substantial change your business is tolerating at this time.

• Security deposits are often prohibited in lease language from being applied to rent, but under the current highly unusual conditions, proposing that your security deposit--in whole or in part--be applied toward rent is considered reasonable.

• Request weekly check-in meetings by phone that help your landlord understand changes taking place at your business.

• If you are prepared for your business to tolerate substantial change, consider some of the following that could be right for you in these usual circumstances: extending the lease term; repaying rent that you defer now in addition to base rent over a set course of time; proposing a downstream rent increase.

The above are a set of recommendations and do not represent a directive of any kind.  Each situation between the commercial tenant and landlord is unique and negotiation should be handled on a case-by-case basis.  If you feel you are being treated unfairly, seek assistance from legal counsel or a law clinic.

This document is provided in collaboration with StayLocal’s partners supporting local businesses, and reflects the efforts of small business tenants, landlords, property managers and lenders to contribute to an important discussion.

StayLocal hosted a presentation describing the current commercial rent market, lease negotiation and energy savings for businesses in 2020. See the slide deck here.