Programs

  • Empoderate NOLA Financial Coaching Program

    Empoderate NOLA is a comprehensive program that provides a broad range of personal financial and small business coaching and services, as well as a series of monthly public workshops. Types of information and assistance include starting and registering a business, obtaining business licenses and permits, strategic planning and marketing, business accounting, accessing commercial capital, personal credit, and financial counseling for home-buying, saving, and managing debt. Additional topics include avoiding scams and reporting fraud, the importance of being banked and preparing for filing small business taxes. In 2024, El Centro hosted monthly workshops for 130 in-person and virtual participants across our monthly financial literacy and business education series, reaching a total of 6,185 FB users. Staff provided 331 technical assistance appointments throughout the year. This initiative includes other services that focus on small business startups. Our business incubator program provided 2 or more hours of monthly technical assistance for 2 tenants. These small enterprises sustained 2-6 jobs each and continue to grow. Further, we hosted monthly workshops in partnership with the Louisiana Small Business Center where attendees determined the feasibility of their business ideas, began planning the steps to registering and licensing their businesses, and learned about common entrepreneurial pitfalls. In 2024, there were 85 attendees in these specialized business startup workshops. This year we relaunched our small business summit, Cumbre Empresarial, which had a total of 124 participants and provided comprehensive programming on business growth strategies, networking opportunities, and connections to resources for Latino entrepreneurs in the region.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $80.4K

  • VITA Latinx Tax Assistance Program

    VITA Latinx is the only Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Service (VITA) Site within 90 miles of the Greater New Orleans area offering all services in Spanish. In 2024, El Centro trained 19 volunteers at Delgado Community College and hosted multiple Super Sábado tax day events throughout the tax season. In 2024, El Centro prepared and electronically filed 325 2023 tax returns, bringing $291,213 worth of federal tax refunds directly to the eligible, low-to-moderate community members. El Centro tax services are available year round, with staff assisting with tax issues, responding to IRS communications, managing tax debt and payments, and other services as needed.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $72K

  • Impúlsate Business Accelerator Program

    Impúlsate is a 7-week business accelerator program for established businesses operating informally. Participants could choose from a construction and janitorial services track or a general business track. Attendees learned how to formalize their business legally, attract customers, create a digital presence, provide bids or estimates, comply with legal and insurance requirements, manage their cash flow, and hire or contract workers. They also learned the basics and benefits of obtaining government-validated certifications. This year, 37 participants graduated from the program across multiple cohorts, with graduation ceremonies held in July and October to recognize participants who completed the full curriculum and took concrete steps toward formalizing their businesses. The program successfully guided entrepreneurs through the process of transitioning from informal to formal business operations, providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to grow sustainably and access new market opportunities.
    Geographies
    Not indicated
    Dates
    Jan 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024
    Source
    990
    No causes provided
    No populations provided
    –
    $40.6K