The Louisiana Business Recovery Grant and Loan Program – Phase II is a continuation of the Louisiana Business Recovery Grant and Loan Program. Phase II includes funding for approximately $80 million in awards.

Program Overview

• All award applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements and fulfill basic underwriting criteria to qualify. In the case of more eligible awardees than available funding, award applicants that meet all criteria will be prioritized according to the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Economic Indicators, according to their industry code (NAICS).
• Awards will consist of 20% grant/80% loan packages ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. In limited cases, subject to LED/LRA approval, loan amounts may be increased to $230,000.
• Loans have 0% interest for the first two years and a 4% rate thereafter.
• No principal repayment is due for the first six months. Principal is fully amortized over three to seven years, as determined by the intermediary.
• There are no fees.
• A personal guarantee is required on all business owners ≥20%.
• Businesses that received a grant in Phase I are eligible for a loan-only in Phase II (but the 20% grant portion of award will not be given).
• Acceptable Uses of Funds
  • business inventory
  • equipment
  • operating expenses (rent, insurance, utilities, etc.)
  • refinancing of storm-related business debt
• Ineligible Uses of Funds
  • acquisition of real estate
  • construction
  • refinancing of State Bridge Loans
  • tax arrearages
  • governmental fines or penalties
  • political or religious activities
  • buying out any stockholder or equity holder in a business
  • investment for interest purposes only

For a list of complete guidelines, click here.

Application Period

The application period for Phase II of the Business Recovery Grant and Loan Program will begin June 9, 2008 and will end July 18, 2008. The program is not first-come, first-serve – it does not matter when an application is turned in within the application period, as long as it is complete.

How to Proceed

Step 1: Attend an Information Session (recommended but not required)
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility
Step 3: Complete Application and Gather Supporting Documents
Step 4: Submit Application and Supporting Documents to an Intake Center

For More Information

• Call the LED BRGL Hotline at 1-877-610-3533
• Learn about Technical Assistance Programs available in your area
• Email questions@la.gov

RITZ CARLTON 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Join us for an insightful and timely discussion as we:

• Discuss the 2008 Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast with the forecasters from Colorado State University: Dr. Phil Klotzbach & Dr. William Gray
• Hear from experienced risk managers on their experiences with past hurricanes and ways to prepare your organization
• Provide you with an opportunity to ask industry experts about the impact of hurricanes on the property insurance market

Registration Begins at 11:30 AM
for more information contact Annie L. Flettrich p: 504-269-2558 e: annie@fqba.org

Taken from Yellow Tail Wines Website

White Plains, NY, June 23, 2008—[yellow tail] wines announced today that Americans deem New Orleans to be “America’s Most Sparkling City.” After a national survey narrowed the list of nominees to 10 locations, Americans were asked to vote online for the most animated, brilliant, lively and vivacious city in the United States. The winner proved to be the home of Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, and Jazzfest—as well as a rich volume of American history.

Jacquelyn B. Clarkson, city council member at large, plans to accept the inaugural honor on behalf of the city during an event in New Orleans’ iconic Jackson Square on July 1, in conjunction with the Independence Day holiday. Renowned travel guide author and expert, Pauline Frommer, along with a [yellow tail] wines representative, will be on site at Chartres Mall, in front of St. Louis Cathedral, to present the award.

“It’s exciting that the American people realize New Orleans has not lost its sparkle,” Frommer said. “Although the city has gone through very rough times, the tourist areas are back—and are as exciting and dynamic as ever. It’s great that [yellow tail] is honoring this city for its warm culture and unique history. If there ever were a city that truly sparkles, today and forever, it is New Orleans.”

The Search for America’s Most Sparkling City began in May. The top 10 nominated cities, as determined by a survey of 900 adults ages 21 and older conducted by Greenfield Online, included: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Martha’s Vineyard, South Beach-Miami, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Monica. More than half of survey respondents said that what makes a city sparkle is “breathtaking scenery” (61%) and “great night life” (53%). Online voters then had the opportunity through June 15 to select the winner.

“We are pleased to name New Orleans as ‘America’s Most Sparkling City,’” said Mark Lyle, vice president of marketing for [yellow tail] wines. “A city with so much determination and hospitality is well-deserving of this title, and we look forward to honoring—and toasting—New Orleans.”

Following the successful launch of [yellow tail] Sparkling White wine last fall, [yellow tail] introduced a Sparkling Rosé wine in May 2008. The suggested retail price for both is $10.99.

FQBA would like to thank all of the attendees and especially

the host

and the speaker

Jennifer Zurik who presented “Re-Inventing the Crescent”

One of the most popular locations to celebrate Father’s Day this past Sunday was at the annual Louisiana Seafood Festival. Now in its second year, festival organizers combined the Seafood Fest with the Creole Tomato Festival and the Cajun-Zydeco Festival to create the Vieux-to-do, a grand celebration that had the French Quarter bubbling with action. All along the city’s riverfront, from the French Market to the old U.S. Mint, families were enjoying great food and outstanding local music.

The reopening of the Farmer’s Market added another dimension to the big party. Most vendors I spoke with were pleased with the crowds and happy to be back in the fresh, new space. Business at the market was brisk, with Creole tomatoes at the top of the list of popular purchases.

At the Mint, cooking demonstrations showcased local cuisine and highlighted our chefs. The three-festivals-in-one concept has created yet another good reason for locals and visitors to enjoy the historic French Quarter during the summer months.

. . . . . . .

Scene and be Seen is a weekly peek into the vibrant and diverse New Orleans culture. Please e-mail information on your event to robertagrove@hotmail.com. Photos and text by Roberta Grove.

June 9 - July 18, 2008

State officials have made $80 million dollars available in combination grants and zero-interest loans for recovering businesses in this phase. The program will accept applications June 9 - July 18 through community-based financing intermediaries across the region.  Now is the time to prepare.

Awards will consist of 20% grant/80% loan packages ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. In limited cases, subject to LED/LRA approval, loan amounts may be increased to $230,000.  Loans have 0% interest for the first two years and a 4% rate thereafter.

See detailed information at  www.LouisianaForward.com.  There are documents you can download on the site that list the locations of Information Sessions going on NOW and another document that lists the official application Intake Centers.

This is an important opportunity for businesses that existed BEFORE Katrina/Rita.  Please look into it.

Save the Date - FQBA Luncheon on Thursday, June 26th Click Here to Download the Invite

Thursday, June 26th
Lazy River Restaurant
601 Decatur St. (JAX Brewery)
11:30 networking
Noon luncheon
$30 per person
To RSVP, please call Sara Ek Spadora at 504-553-2206

WWL’s Deb Albertson Reports: French Quarter business owners have presented with an opportunity to band together and get business insurance at lower rates.

John O’Brien of Powell insurance says the product will cover all facets of a business, including business interruption from a hurricane.

Tourism Cares is pleased to announce Tourism Cares for New Orleans!  The 6th Annual Tourism Cares for America project will be held April 17th-19th.  We hope you can join your industry colleagues to help restore Louis Armstrong Park, just outside the French Quarter.

More Information:

Deadline for Event Registration With Housing is Friday, March 21st Register Today!

Tourism Cares will renew its dedication to the Gulf Coast restoration effort this spring by bringing its annual clean-up event, Tourism Cares for America, to New Orleans and its Louis Armstrong Park.

Tourism is vital to New Orleans. The industry recognizes the need to give back to people, community and tourism related sites across the country that are in need of assistance.  New Orleans is such a site.

Tourism Cares is at the forefront of this pursuit, annually undertaking a massive clean-up project at an American tourism landmark.

Lasting only a few days, April 17 - 19, the project will accomplish major repairs and upkeep that it would take the site’s staff several months to complete.

Louis Armstrong Park is central to African American and musical history. In present day, the park is home to the Mahalia Jackson Center for the Performing Arts and the Morris F X. Jeff Municipal Auditorium. In the 18th and 19th centuries, however, slaves would gather in the park’s Congo Square to play music in the open - the only time it was permitted.

We hope that you will join your peers in the travel and tourism industry for what is sure to be a memorable and worthwhile experience.

To register please visit:

https://payments.auctionpay.com/ver3/?id=w0247214

For more information please contact:

Natalie King

Tourism Cares

585 Washington Street

Canton, MA 02021

781 821 5990 x205

fax 781-821 8949

www.tourismcares.org