5 August 2020
Propeller is pleased to announce the local businesses participating in its 2020 Impact Accelerator–a 4-month, interactive program that equips entrepreneurs with coaching, community building, curriculum, and technical assistance. In contrast to past Accelerators, this year’s program will be hosted virtually to support both startup organizations and growth-stage Propeller Alumni in navigating the rapidly-changing entrepreneurial landscape due to COVID-19. The businesses in this year’s cohort aim to strengthen their service or program delivery while building ventures grounded in financial viability, social impact, racial equity, and a commitment to positively impacting our city and region.
This year’s range of Accelerator participants include New Orleans’ only Black-owned bookstore, a popular food truck, a re-entry mediation institute, a digital marketplace for postsecondary education, and storm-resistant home construction. This cohort of both for-profit and nonprofit businesses reflect the demographics of New Orleans while tackling disparities within the focus areas of community economic development, education, food, health, and water.
Entrepreneurs within community economic development work to impact localized economic development (primarily located on the Broad Street corridor), create jobs, and develop affordable housing.
Addis NOLA | Billiot Development | Community Book Center | El Centro
Education entrepreneurs work to infuse social-emotional learning, increase family and community engagement, and implement equitable, culturally relevant practices and policies in schools.
Cipher 360 | Electric Girls | WhereWeGo
In food, entrepreneurs seek to improve food access and generate food products that include sustainable, healthy, affordable, locally-sourced ingredients.
Diva Dawg | FOWLMOUTH | Grey Bird Baking Co. | Mandela Burger
Health entrepreneurs work to provide direct health and wellness services that address the social and physical determinants of health.
Blossoming Minds Health Center & Family Services | Magnolia Yoga Studio | Re-entry Mediation Institute of Louisiana | Uptown Benefits
Water entrepreneurs work in stormwater management, green infrastructure, coastal restoration, or adaptation and resilience while seeking to diversify the water economy to be representative of the communities served.
Glory Gardens | Grounds Krewe | Home by Hand