By Nestor Mato | February 27, 2025
A thriving business community requires access to resources, mentorship, and financial tools to help entrepreneurs grow.
The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank, is helping people make such connections by giving $200,000 in grant support, in addition to $100,0000 provided last year, to a free program designed to assist entrepreneurs.
The Financial Wellness Collaborative – a partnership between Propeller, Thrive NOLA and Fund 17 – helps small-business owners in New Orleans bolster their overall financial health through a series of workshops and more.
“Small businesses are the economic heartbeat of our communities,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “By investing in entrepreneurial success, we’re investing in a stronger economy and better quality of life for all. These nonprofits are doing incredible work, and the Regions Foundation is proud to support them.”
Success is often summarized in statistics, but there are real people behind the business.
Fabian Harper, founder of Flourish Horticulture, is dedicated to enhancing properties through sustainable landscaping. However, navigating the bid process was a challenge. With Thrivecredit score building, Propeller loan consultation, Fund 17 tax prep and more, Harper identified opportunities. He received expert guidance and secured his first prime contract with the Housing Authority of New Orleans. “As a small minority business, I have to wear many hats. The contract gave me the ability to hire one part-time employee,” Harper shared. “I look forward to continued growth with their guidance.”
Travis Banks, the entrepreneur behind Gravel Road Builders & Construction Services, has a vision to revolutionize construction through modern techniques. With coaching from Propeller and financial preparation through Thrive and Fund 17, he refined his business acumen and public-speaking skills. “This opportunity molded me to become Travis 10.0,” Banks said. “I no longer have public speaking anxiety, and that will make me a better contractor and project manager. Next stop—million-dollar contracts!”
Luisa Abballe and Arien Hall turned a side hustle into a successful construction and stormwater management company, Mastodonte. With early support from Thrive and later assistance from Propeller and Fund 17, they gained crucial insights into project management and contract profitability. Now, they’re on track to reach $1 million in revenue and have secured a workspace in the Ninth Ward. “When I came to Propeller, I had a pickup truck and $500. The resources we’ve accessed have been game-changing,” Hall said. “Having this support makes all the difference.”
Carla Briggs, founder of Viola’s Heritage Breads, is preserving the legacy of unacknowledged people of color in food while crafting high-quality sandwich breads and baked goods. With assistance from Fund 17 and Propeller, she rebranded her business, relaunched her website, and developed a cohesive brand identity. “This program gave me the tools to tell my story in a way that truly connects with people,” Briggs said.
The Financial Wellness Collaborative has empowered over 385 entrepreneurs like Harper, Banks, Abballe, Hall, and Briggs by providing essential business education, financial literacy, and networking opportunities.
“As we continue to build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, we are grateful for the major grant support from the Regions Foundation,” said Veranisha Thompson Pohlman, Executive Director of Fund 17, Chuck Morse, Executive Director of Thrive New Orleans, and Jessica Allen, Co-CEO of Propeller. “Together, the collective impact is proving that when organizations collaborate, we can break down barriers and help businesses flourish.”
Read the full article on Regions website.
