Officials offer lifeline to struggling French Quarter businesses
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State and local officials are offering small business grants and marketing help for French Quarter businesses that are struggling amid ongoing construction on their blocks.
Why it matters: At least three businesses have closed already, with others saying they are in dire straits as the city enters what is historically its slowest tourism season.
The big picture: Mayor Helena Moreno unveiled a $200,000 "business stabilization fund" this week that will be used to give grants to French Quarter businesses.
- She estimates at least 40 businesses will meet the qualifications for a $2,500 to $5,000 one-time grant.
- Even though the grants don't compensate for everything, they are useful, GNO Inc. President and CEO Michael Hecht told the crowd gathered in the construction zone.
- Also important, he said, is "evidence of the city caring." It "psychologically is so important when you're trying to carry on."
State of play: Several support programs were announced Wednesday night.
Grants: Applications open Monday via the Greater New Orleans Foundation and will stay open for a week.
- Businesses need to be on a block with construction and show a decrease in revenue, among other requirements.
- The French Quarter Management District and the French Market Corp. are funding the grants, the city says.
Marketing: The state kicks off a $2 million "staycation" campaign next week aimed at getting Louisianans to visit New Orleans and the Quarter, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says.
- It will start in North Louisiana and include other markets within 150 miles of the state.
- It's funded through the state's tourism office, and will include social media, radio, TV and newspaper ads.
Gift cards: New Orleans & Co. is working on a summer promotion to encourage spending at local businesses, says CEO and President Walt Leger III.
- It will offer gift cards to hotel guests, he said. Details are still being worked out.
What they're saying: "You all know how hard it is in the summertime for small businesses throughout the city to make it, and you add construction that makes it that much more difficult," said Councilmember Freddy King III.
Zoom out: The New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board estimates the delayed road construction will be finished in September.
- New Orleans gets more control over the quasi-state agency on Aug. 1. Moreno has a working group studying reform options and regulatory structures.
- Until then, she said the priority is to get the construction fences and the dust cloths removed from the French Quarter.
- Officials will also monitor street cameras to ensure crews are working when they are scheduled, she said.
The bottom line: "The poor communication and even more troubling execution of this SWBNO project has caused significant harm to the businesses and residents of this area. It should never have happened," Moreno said in a statement.
