Southern Women Action Network, The Idea Village Provide Entrepreneurial Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2005

(Baton Rouge) – Ten New Orleans female entrepreneurs whose businesses were interrupted due to Hurricane Katrina will receive monetary grants from the Southern Women Action Network (SWAN) and The Idea Village that will enable their businesses to continue operating as New Orleans recovers economically from the disaster.

The partnership between the Southern Women Action Network, a Baton Rouge-based 501 c 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to respond to pressing community needs through deliberate and immediate action, and The Idea Village, a New Orleans-based 501 c 3 non profit which seeks to accelerate the development of high-growth entrepreneurial ventures based in New Orleans, is one of the first announced efforts that has directly funded the businesses that are in a position to return to the beleaguered city.

The recipients of the SWAN/Idea Village grant are: Kappa Horn- Slim Goody's, Pat Cassidy- Pat Cassidy Photography, Leah Bauer- Pooch Clothing, Tracy Ewell- Tracy Ewell Cosmetics and Skincare, Jane Cooper- Patient Care, Milena Merrill- Isis Films, Linda Friedlander- Objects Trouves, Helen LeBourgeois- TLC Services, Inc., Ellie Rand- Ellie Rand Public Relations, and Mildred Corrigan- MildRed.

“Women helping women is the core foundation of our network,” said Elizabeth Querbes, Founder and President of SWAN. “SWAN is proud to support other women professionals as they rebuild their personal and professional lives. We are grateful to The Idea Village for their partnership and humbled by the strength of the citizens of South Louisiana as they courageously pick up the pieces and rebuild.”

"Nothing has proven more true than the adage that Louisiana takes care of its own,” said Milena Merrill of Isis Films. “In dealing with these back to back natural disasters, many small businesses might not have hoped for a chance at recovery. However, with the help of fine organizations such as the Southern Women Action Network and The Idea Village, there is hope. As long as there is hope, we can all persevere and make our businesses profitable again. Louisiana will rebuild, one business at a time."

Tim Williamson, Founder and President of The Idea Village, hopes that businesses and
foundations across the country follow the lead of SWAN and earmark funds for other entrepreneurs to return to the New Orleans area. “Entrepreneurship is the foundation on which healthy economies function,” said. Williamson “Right now, entrepreneurs and small businesses need our help in their efforts to resume normal operations and return to New Orleans.  These entrepreneurs will become the drivers of the rebuilding of New Orleans”

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About The Idea Village
The Idea Village is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to accelerate the development of high-growth entrepreneurial ventures based in New Orleans by providing in-depth business consultation, connecting entrepreneurs to business mentors and by facilitating access to professional services and capital resources. Since 2002, The Idea Village has been 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.
www.ideavillage.org

About SWAN
Southern Women Action Network is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation whose
mission is to respond to pressing community needs through deliberate and immediate action.  It was just three years ago that a small group of community-minded women started this nonprofit. Today, SWAN has grown to over 50 members who volunteer their time, talent and treasure for the benefit of the under-served in Baton Rouge. SWAN network is made up of incredible women who are committed to fulfilling our mission and making better Baton Rouge.
http://swanbr.org/index.html