NEW ORLEANS – United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) will host Wednesday the “Pitch It 2024” graduation event for its Thriving African-American Small Business (TAASB) Initiative. This event will highlight the achievements of 10 entrepreneurs who have completed seven months of comprehensive training, mentorship and financial capability instruction. Participants will present their business plans to a panel of judges and potential investors, showcasing their hard work and growth throughout the program.
UWSELA launched TAASB in 2023 to foster economic equity and close the racial wealth gap. The program pairs a 5:1 matched development account with learning opportunities to build financial management skills and business growth strategies. The inaugural cohort generated more than $150,000 in immediate capital, highlighting the program’s significant impact on participants’ financial and business growth.
Learn more about the program at UnitedWaySELA.org/TAASB.
| WHAT: | UWSELA’s Thriving African-American Small Business Initiative’s “Pitch It 2024” graduation event |
| WHO: | The event will feature presentations from 10 business owners supported by UWSELA mentors and coaches. The panel of judges includes:
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| WHEN: | Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 5-7 p.m. |
| WHERE: | UWSELA’s Prosperity Center – New Orleans East Campus
8324 Morrison Road New Orleans, LA 70126 |
| SOCIAL: | @UnitedWaySELA |
| WHY: | The “Pitch It” event marks the conclusion of the 2024 TAASB Initiative, celebrating the dedication and accomplishments of local Black-owned businesses that have completed the program. TAASB supports participants by providing matched savings accounts, expert financial education and business training aimed at closing the racial wealth gap and empowering communities. |
About United Way of Southeast Louisiana
For 100 years, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has been a leader and trusted partner in improving lives and making a lasting difference. We fight to eradicate poverty by preparing people for quality jobs, growing incomes, and affording better health and education opportunities throughout Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. We have a bold vision of equitable communities where all individuals are healthy, educated, and financially stable – and we have a plan. United Way of Southeast Louisiana’s Blueprint for Prosperity guides all strategic investments in programs, initiatives, collaborations, volunteerism, and advocacy aimed at tackling poverty. For more information, please visit UnitedWaySELA.org. Find us on social: @UnitedWaySELA.
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