8 January 2013
The Propeller Incubator represents more than just a space to work. It’s an invitation to join a community of established and early-stage social innovators who are dedicated to contributing their spirit and vision; it’s an opportunity to foster solutions to New Orleans’ challenges through teamwork and improve our city in a lasting way.
The Propeller Social Innovation Incubator, New Orleans’ newest co-working office facility, opened its doors on January 2, 2013. The Incubator offers a collaborative and creative space for socially minded entrepreneurs and small businesses to rent private offices or co-working desks at an affordable price.
The Propeller Incubator is located at 4035 Washington Avenue in the Broadmoor neighborhood in what was formerly a rim shop. The renovation of the building into a 10,500 sq. foot office space was made possible through a public-private partnership between Propeller: A Force for Social Innovation, a local non-profit that incubates social entrepreneurs, and Green Coast Enterprises, an environmentally conscious real estate developer.
The Propeller Incubator is the second of four buildings to be completed in an $8.7 million revitalization project in Broadmoor led by Green Coast Enterprises—Broadmoor Development Corporation’s and Global Green’s headquarters are open on South Broad, and a health clinic and Laurel Street Bakery are set to open soon. The project’s mission is to renew the economic and social vitality of the historic neighborhood of Broadmoor.
23 organizations currently work out of the Propeller Incubator (meet the tenants!); their missions range from education, community organizing, environmental science, public health, affordable housing, social justice, legal services, digital marketing, and more. Both private offices and co-working desks are still available for rent. Additional building amenities include a kitchen, lounge, two conference rooms, and ample room to host events, available to rent by the public. An estimated 200-300 people will be served per year at the Incubator.
The uniquely open layout of the Incubator is designed to foster peer-to-peer learning. In the first week, tenants were already striking up conversation to explore potential opportunities for collaboration.
Before moving into the Propeller Incubator, Propeller worked out of Launchpad in the Central Business District. “We love the Launchpad community, and we look forward to many productive collaborations to better serve the entrepreneurship community. We are also excited to have a space to run our 10-month Social Venture Accelerator,” said Andrea Chen, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Propeller. The Social Venture Accelerator connects environmentally- or socially-driven entrepreneurs with consultants and pro bono professionals who help them reach their goals.
Some of Propeller’s Accelerator Fellows have offices in the Propeller Incubator, making Propeller’s consulting services highly accessible. Propeller-hosted workshops that are free and open to the public will also take place at the Propeller Incubator. Topics include: Quickbooks, Payroll, Finance, Brand Strategy, PR, and more.
Financing partners for the Propeller Incubator include the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA), NCB Capital Impact, First NBC Bank, ASK Family Limited Partnership, Capital Link, Isaiah Fund of Bend the Arc: a Jewish Fund for Justice, Louisiana Office of Community Development: Disaster Recovery Unit, NCB Capital Impact, Partners for the Common Good, and US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Ventures mentioned in this post
Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana
Ameca Reali & Adrienne Wheeler
Areas of focus: Social Justice
