Inclusive procurement
At Propeller, inclusivity and equity are foundational to how we design and deliver our programs.
We recognize that small businesses, particularly those led by women and entrepreneurs of color, have historically faced structural barriers to accessing capital, contracts, and growth opportunities. Addressing these gaps is not an abstract value. It is a practical strategy for building a stronger, more competitive local economy.
Our approach focuses on expanding access, reducing obstacles, providing resources and supporting business readiness so that ventures can compete, bid and win contracts. By supporting small, locally rooted businesses and strengthening their pathways to procurement, Propeller helps generate quality jobs, build community wealth, and foster economic resilience across New Orleans. This commitment is reflected not only in who we serve, but in how we structure our programming, ensuring that opportunity is accessible, support is tailored, and growth is sustainable for entrepreneurs at every stage.
Our Programming
1
Market Access Procurement Program
MAPP is a 9-month intensive program for selected ventures, offering mentorship, training, financial wellness, and strategic contracting support. The program will serve as a “next step” for business owners who have previously engaged with Propeller programs and services and made demonstrable progress toward their goals.
2
Meet the Primes
Hosted each spring, Meet the Primes is a vital platform and key offering of our Inclusive Procurement program, facilitating connections between entrepreneurs and critical stakeholders and fostering market access opportunities. Meet the Primes 2026 will be held on June 18, 2026.
3
Small & Emerging Business Workshops
Propeller offers publicly accessible, free workshops to aid disadvantaged entrepreneurs in accessing contracts, certifications, and bid opportunities. Click here for the full workshop calendar.
Our Approach
Through our Inclusive Procurement programming, Propeller focuses on strengthening business fundamentals, reducing barriers to entry, and aligning capable local ventures with real market opportunities—ensuring that economic growth is both inclusive and
sustainable.
- Building Capacity: Providing knowledge and skill-building workshops to support small businesses as they address the challenges of staff size, lack of working capital, and navigating complex procurement systems.
- Advancing More Inclusive Procurement Practices: Working in partnership with anchor institutions, municipalities, and the broader business community to encourage procurement policies and practices that expand access to a wider range of qualified small businesses.
- Establishing a Pipeline: Providing technical assistance to minority-owned small businesses to increase their competitiveness and preparedness for procurement opportunities.
- Introductions to key community stakeholders, lenders, connectors, investors, and holders of contract opportunities
