The St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF) and the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce recently concluded the 2018 Grow St. Bernard 6-part seminar series geared towards pre-revenue, emerging, and expanding businesses. The low-cost program provides a foundation of business knowledge to the growing population of small businesses choosing St. Bernard as their base of operations.
St. Bernard Parish has experienced an influx of new businesses coupled with population growth and rising building permits. “St. Bernard Parish is an outstanding option for entrepreneurs interested in starting a business,” explains Andrew Jacques, Executive Director of SBEDF. “Our low barrier to entry coupled with our close proximity to downtown New Orleans and a tight-knit startup ecosystem makes St. Bernard very attractive. We believe Grow St. Bernard is just one of the ways that SBEDF is providing support to our local business community.”
The last session, “Planning for the Future” featured an intimate conversation with Melissa Gibbs, Business Development Director of Gibbs Construction. Grow St. Bernard participant and owner of Barrios Real Estate, Alison Barrios reflected on Gibbs’ insights and relatable experience finding her professional voice. “Melissa Gibbs shared her path to success with us in such an earnest, open way. I thoroughly enjoyed her story-telling style” explained Barrios.
As a New Orleans native, Barrios recently relocated to Arabi and believes the program has helped her establish her business in St. Bernard. “Through Grow St Bernard, I have developed stronger relationships not only with industry leaders in St Bernard Parish but also with other small business who are on the same path that I am. I now have a wealth of information and a great network of business owners to draw from for help and inspiration,” said Barrios.
St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce CEO Cathy Alfonso was also pleased with the program’s outcome. “We are extremely happy about the turnout and participation of the 2018 cohort. The class was engaged and truly utilized the opportunity to connect with one another, learn from the presenters, and develop their professional skill set, explained Alfonso. “We look forward to seeing their future success.”
Grow St. Bernard’s second cohort consists of eleven businesses and professionals including Barrios Real Estate Group, Brewster’s Restaurant & Lounge, Clean Course Meals, LLC, DDK + Partners, Del’s Creations, Geaux 2 Med-Legal Group, St. Bernard Realty, Sister Hearts, Inc., St. Bernard Magazine, Jeff Southerland, and Jeff Fay.