Image source: https://shoppeblack.us/black-entrepreneurs-new-orleans/
Context
Propeller is a social enterprise supporting entrepreneurs to tackle social and environmental disparities. Though a critical player in New Orleans’ entrepreneurial ecosystem, our organization was falling short in addressing a significant racial disparity: New Orleans’ population is ~60% Black, ~40% of all businesses are Black-owned, yet Black-owned businesses only receive ~2% of business receipts. This disparity made all New Orleanians, regardless of background, worse off.
Challenge
How do you create repeatable business development infrastructure for entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional accelerators, capital, contracts and professional networks? While also navigating external pressure from funders and the ecosystem to deliver?
What I Built
- Co-designed pilot program offerings, through deep-listening, alongside local small businesses, residents, and advocates
- Developed theory of change and logic models to align program design with long-term organization vision
- Founded a business development training program that sourced, vetted, and coached 30+ entrepreneurs through multi-week cohort programs delivering financial management, customer acquisition, and social impact curriculum
- Led team of three direct reports across small business development and community advocacy
- Managed 9+ simultaneous project teams of industry experts, financial analysts, and designers to deliver growth strategies
- Monitored and evaluated program for funder reporting and narrative strategy
Results
$3M+ in client revenue generated | 30+ permanent local jobs created |
What I Learned
Progress moves at the speed of trust. After existing in ecosystem with limited supports, entrepreneurs were initial hesitant of a new offering. This required consistent presence and delivering early wins. Curriculum design was critical: providing a mix of foundation concepts (methods of testing product or service offerings before spending $$$) to the tactical (we’re opening Quickbooks right now!). Furthermore, the most impactful aspects of this program were
- Being the confidant and encourager of these founders; reminding them of their brilliance
- Navigating them through the ecosystem, making warm intros to lenders, investors, or potential procurement partners
