The Idea Village Awards Relief Grants to 15 New Orleans Entrepreneurs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2005

(New Orleans) – Today The Idea Village awarded “triage” grants totaling $55,000 to 15 New Orleans entrepreneurs whose businesses were interrupted by Hurricane Katrina.  The funds will enable their businesses to continue operating as New Orleans recovers economically from the disaster.  The companies receiving the grants were approved based on applications providing information about their post-Katrina needs and their commitment to rebuild in New Orleans.   

The recipients of The IV Business Relief grants are: 

Jan Ramsey, Offbeat; Drew Ramsey, Hubig’s Pies; Rich Collins, Imagination Movers; Peter Menge, The Savvy Gourmet; Margaret Jones, Scriptura, Inc.; Starbuck Laney, Metro Three; Christine Briede, Loubat Equipment Co.; James Davidson, ABC Tile Distributors, Inc.; Richard  McCarthy, Richard Gray Power Co.; Steve Gundlach, Steve's Diner; Kim Elms, Little Laughter; Bryan Batt, Hazelnut; Desiree Pettibon, Basics; Wilbert Wilson, Chill’s First Class Cuts, and Madeline Guice, Melange.

“We hope this is just the beginning,” said Idea Village president, Tim Williamson.  “Southern Women Action Network, Standard Coffee and Pritchard Capital have stepped up to make these grants possible, and through EARN, our new Entrepreneur Assistance and Resource Network, we are reaching out to national partners to raise more money.”  

Williamson hopes that businesses and foundations across the country will follow the lead of these organizations.  “Small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy,” said Williamson.  “Right now, entrepreneurs need our help in their efforts to resume normal operations.   The small businesses already here and those returning will drive the rebuilding of New Orleans.”

Drew Ramsey of Hubig’s Pies is especially appreciative of the grant.  "Hubig’s is a 90 year old company, and we need to think entrepreneurial during these times. This grant will allow us to create a strategy to generate revenue while we rebuild our operations. We will be back.”  

To apply for future grants, businesses may go to www.ideavillage.org and fill out the form under Katrina Update.  A total of $75,000 has been awarded through The Idea Village Business Relief Funds since Hurricane Katrina. 

About The Idea Village

The Idea Village is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to encourage a culture of innovation and to provide the focused tools and resources necessary to accelerate the development of high-growth entrepreneurial ventures based in New Orleans. The Idea Village assists high-growth businesses 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.

Since its formal inception in 2002, The Idea Village has become the primary driver for entrepreneurship in New Orleans, supported by more than 300 individuals, corporations, local foundations, Tulane University, University of New Orleans, Greater New Orleans, Inc., the City of New Orleans, and the State of Louisiana.

 

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