Small Business Marketing Assistance Program

The Small Business Marketing Assistance Program, administered by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), provides tailored marketing support to eligible small businesses located within designated Low and Moderate Income (LMI) commercial corridors across New Orleans. NORA is a local public agency focused on revitalizing neighborhoods through targeted investments in infrastructure, housing, and economic development. This program continues NORA’s broader mission by supporting the growth and visibility of small business enterprises operating in areas historically underserved or impacted by economic disparity. The grant offers eligible businesses access to up to $30,000 in professional marketing services over a period of three to six months. The marketing support is provided directly by consultants under contract with NORA, meaning funds are not disbursed to grantees but are instead used to pay the consultants for their work. Participating businesses will work collaboratively with assigned consultants to develop and implement customized marketing strategies. Covered services may include website design, social media strategy, search engine optimization (SEO), digital advertising, email marketing, print and broadcast marketing, and graphic design. Eligible applicants must be for-profit businesses occupying commercial storefront space within designated LMI corridors. They must hold a current occupational license with the City of New Orleans, be open to the public, have no outstanding debts or liens to the City, and be in good standing with the State of Louisiana. The list of eligible corridors is detailed in the program materials and includes over 30 specific commercial stretches throughout the city. The application process involves several required steps: attending an informational session, submitting an online application via Jotform, review by NORA, notification of selected applicants, signing a grant agreement, and beginning the engagement with the consultant. Required application documents include the City of New Orleans occupational license for 2025, a business owner resume, proof of business location (lease, mortgage, or deed), a city tax bill showing no outstanding balance, and recent financial documentation such as a profit and loss statement or income tax transcript. The initial application period runs from July 14, 2025, through September 5, 2025, at 4:00 PM Central Time. Applications are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, contingent on funding availability. After this initial window, NORA will reopen the application every 60 days on a rolling basis until program funds are exhausted. Businesses that previously participated in other NORA programs, such as Façade RENEW or Commercial Corridor Gap Financing, are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information or assistance with the application process, applicants may contact Whitney Williams, NORA’s Economic Development Program Manager, at Whitney.Williams@nola.gov or by phone at 504-658-4451. Additional materials, including an informational webinar and a read-only version of the application, are available on the program’s official website.

Attend the informational session; prepare financial and licensing documents in advance; submit early due to first-come-first-serve basis.