New Orleans: City Offers Free Business Guidance

The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development in New Orleans is coordinating a new series of support services for local entrepreneurs. The Business Services team acts as a direct link between city government, business owners, and potential startups. Their primary function is to provide reliable information and non-legal advice on topics such as business structuring, tax ID numbers, and licensing processes.

The city offers specific resources to help individuals launch their ventures. Staff provide literature and forms for filing trade names, trademarks, partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations. They also outline the procedures for obtaining occupational licenses and explain how to secure permits for site work. Additionally, the office shares details on federal, state, and local tax incentives available to businesses.

The city facilitates four separate series of Business Information Sessions each year. Each series runs for five consecutive weeks. During this period, the city holds one meeting in every City Council district. These sessions are free and open to the public. The goal is to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with technical assistance providers and financial resources. Several city departments and external partners participate in these gatherings.

The next series of sessions is scheduled to begin soon. The Mayor’s Office states that the success of local small businesses is key to strengthening the economy. The office aims to assist with the growth of a diverse economy that creates good-paying jobs and provides equal access to economic prosperity. Residents can visit the city's online portal to find dates for the latest sessions.