NOLABA connects New Orleanians with the support and resources they need to achieve economic prosperity. This includes providing information for small businesses like local resource providers and certification opportunities. In a new series of small business spotlights, we’re highlighting New Orleans business owners who use these resources to grow their businesses in the city.

We begin with Lola Lass, president and owner of ADEETA Corporate Staffing, who opened her business May 26, 1998.

ADEETA is a certified WBE (Women Business Enterprise), and Lass said she has gotten new clients just from having the certification logo posted on their website. In addition, ADEETA also has had the opportunity to bid on larger contracts in the area through the WBEC South connection (Women’s Business Enterprise Council). NOLABA conducted a Q&A with Lass:

1) Why did you choose New Orleans to open your small business?

New Orleans is my home. I have extended family here, love the quality of life it affords and the people that live and work here. I love developing new relationships – that is one of the major keys to success for doing business here in New Orleans. I also love that in New Orleans, people are allowed to be personable and quirky and can still be considered business professionals. That made New Orleans a natural fit for me.

2) What stands out to you most about New Orleans’ small business community?

I think the small business community here is strong in number and diversity. I find that small business owners are open to mentoring, supporting and doing business with each other to foster new opportunities. I think we have a lot of gutsy people here because it takes a lot to venture out on your own and start your own business. Being a small business owner is not for the faint of heart.

3) What small business resources in New Orleans have helped in your growth?

Finding a local banker was a big key. Local banks tend to operate on more of a relationship basis and to get small business financing. Finding someone who trusts you and believes in you is the fastest way to get what you need. At the time I opened ADEETA, there were several strong local banks to choose from. There are also a lot of professional organizations, including our many Chambers of Commerce, that are available to assist small business owners. You can learn just about anything you want to if you participate in their programs and educational offerings. These resources are also great for networking and developing new prospects and clients. In addition to the New Orleans and Jefferson Chambers, we have taken advantage of many other organizations during our 20 years of operation here in the city, such as NOLABA, GNO, Inc., Idea Village and LSBDC (Louisiana Small Business Development Center). The City of New Orleans itself also offers free business seminars to small businesses on a regular basis.

4) What are your goals for your business moving forward?

We are currently working on our Growth Plan which was developed through our participation in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program held here in NOLA at Delgado. It is an outstanding program and can do amazing things for a small business owner that is ready to take action. We plan to add to our recruiting team and are considering expanding our geographic footprint and the number of niches we serve.

5) Any other information that you would like to share about doing business in New Orleans?

New Orleans is a great town to do business in especially if you like to do relationship-based business. The people who operate companies here are also very open to helping other business owners make connections and enjoy doing business with other local companies. It is also a great place to do business if you are someone who desires a certain quality of life. We have our own pace, expectations and definition of success. New Orleans doesn’t have to be the biggest because New Orleans is the best. At ADEETA, we celebrate New Orleans every day, and we have since we returned after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.