Participating small businesses will provide shoppers with a chance to win $200 this holiday season

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 21, 2022

Media Contacts:
Valerie Huntley
504.338.8566
vhuntley@nolaba.org

Elle Schmidt
419.571.7690
elle@thespearsgroup.com

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA) is proud to announce the return of its local shopping campaign, Homegrown Holidays, as part of ongoing efforts to support local retail businesses this holiday season. Those who shop at one of the 50 participating businesses across seven high-impact, disinvested New Orleans neighborhoods, including Treme, New Orleans East, Gert Town/Hollygrove, Algiers, Lower Ninth Ward, and Gentilly, between Black Friday (November 25) and New Year’s Eve (December 31) will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $200 cash prize.

With over 1,000 small businesses combined, these communities have been identified as the primary focus of NOLABA’s Resilient Corridors Initiative – a joint program with the City of New Orleans to advance commercial revitalization efforts through direct funding and technical support to local businesses. 

As local business owners continue to rebound post-pandemic, NOLABA encourages shoppers to support them over corporate chains these next few weeks and help further the momentum and contribute to the city’s long-term recovery and success heading into 2023 and beyond.

“All of the seven neighborhoods we focus on as part of our Resilient Corridors Initiative have their own distinct and vibrant culture, and so do the small businesses who operate there, some of whom span generations,” said Greg Lawson, Senior VP of Strategic Neighborhood Development at NOLABA. “We’re so proud to be able to showcase their unique offerings and encourage residents to think outside the box with their gift-giving this holiday season, all while providing a much-needed influx of revenue to our small businesses and their surrounding communities.”

“When people shop local, eat local, and spend local, they keep their money where we need it most – right here in New Orleans’ economy,” said DJ Johnson, Owner at Baldwin & Co. Coffee + Bookstore. “Homegrown Holidays is helping people invest in local entrepreneurship and nurturing a sense of community and pride within our neighborhoods and small business community. I’m excited to partner with NOLABA for a second year to increase profitability and grow, not just my business, but the entire city.”

NOLABA is also working with community members in each of the seven neighborhoods on a variety of different events happening throughout the duration of the campaign to bring even more people and spending power to these areas. 

Learn more about the Homegrown Holidays Campaign launching Black Friday and see a list of participating businesses at nolaba.org/homegrown-holidays.

Learn more about NOLABA’s other Strategic Neighborhood Development initiatives here.

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About New Orleans Business Alliance
One of fewer than 80 Accredited Economic Development Organizations worldwide, the New Orleans Business Alliance is the official public-private partnership created to increase economic gains for the city of New Orleans. Through a direct partnership with the City of New Orleans and strong connectivity with the business community, the New Orleans Business Alliance works to ensure the economic security of all New Orleanians by diversifying the local economy, developing local talent, and expanding entrepreneurial opportunity. Through an inclusive economic development strategy, we will create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Learn more at www.nolaba.org.