Currently, CED has four members. An overview of each organization can be found below.
Capital Access Project: Capital Access Project (CAP) is an entrepreneur and economic development program founded in October 2001. Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, CAP is a 501(c)3 non-profit created to promote the growth, expansion, and economic prosperity of businesses in the New Orleans metropolitan area. CAP is dedicated to supporting the creation of competitively viable small, disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned firms through business development assistance by identifying, qualifying and matching those firms with public and private sector resources to start or expand their businesses, create jobs and create an economic impact that would otherwise not exist in New Orleans. Within CED CAP specializes in credit counseling and the development of small contractors. By working with small contractors CAP is working with entrepreneurs to take advantage of the market opportunities associated with the rebuilding of the city.
Good Work Network (GWN): The Good Work Network is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2001 to provide training, technical assistance, and management support services to low income and disadvantaged micro entrepreneurs. Good Work Network focuses on creating opportunities for micro entrepreneurs by connecting them to educational, capital, business service, and networking resources. Good Work Network’s services include group training, one-on-one technical assistance, and back office support services. It also works with several financial institutions to provide its clients with access to capital. Good Work Network is in the process of developing a market access program in conjunction with several collaborative partners. Good Work Network is the technical assistance provider for the CED that works with very low-income entrepreneurs as well as those embarking on a business venture with little experience.
Idea Village (IDEA): The Idea Village began in 1999 and was formally organized in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization. Starting with an initial activity of sponsoring a business plan competition, IDEA has grown into a network of business professionals, academics, investors, political leaders, and entrepreneurs who are focused on accelerating the development of early stage, high potential companies. IDEA assists clients by providing in-depth business consultation, including setting operational goals, advising and consulting on strategic business matters, connecting entrepreneurs to business mentors, and by facilitating access to professional services and capital resources. In September 2005, IDEA started the IV Business Relief Fund that has provided over $350,000 in grants to assist small businesses’ post-Katrina recovery efforts. Idea Village specializes in working with CED entrepreneurs that exhibit high growth potential and tailor assistance for more mature firms.
NewCorp Business Assistance Center (NEWCORP): NEWCORP was established in 1994 as a component of the community outreach initiative of Harrah’s Casino and the City of New Orleans. NEWCORP’s original mission was to provide access to business opportunities and financial capital to underserved minority, small business and micro enterprises operating in the New Orleans community. NEWCORP is certified as a community development financial institution and a SBA micorenterprise lender. In addition to capital access, NEWCORP’s business counselors have provided technical assistance to over 250 companies. As a member of the CED, NEWCORP extends capital primarily to economically distressed entrepreneurs.