2018 Overview

The Propeller Plan

Research shows that current disparities in the U.S. and New Orleans break down primarily and consistently along racial lines. Propeller tackles racial disparities in community economic development, education, food, health, and water. We believe that to close these gaps, change has to happen at the systemic, institutional, and individual/mindset levels. Propeller focuses on building a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem by working at the institutional level in partnership with entrepreneurs committed to racial equity.

how our entrepeneurs impact New Orleans

Community Economic Development

businesses brought their services and 8 permanent jobs to the South Broad Commercial Corridor

Education
‍

8,442

K-12 students served in Orleans Parish

Health

10,313+

residents received health or wellness services

Food

$721K

in healthy groceries sold in New Orleans neighborhoods

Water

239

urban water management projects completed, with the capacity to hold 237,984 gallons of stormwater

Financial impact since 2011

Propeller entrepreneurs have contributed to a vibrant, inclusive New Orleans economy by creating jobs, generating revenue, and securing investment.

$112M

in revenue and financing generated by Propeller Alumni

215

ventures supported and accelerated

485

jobs created for local New Orleanians

Aggregate revenue, financing, and jobs were calculated via Propeller's annual Alumni survey, with a total of 62 or 29% ventures responding.

62%

Women-owned businesses

77%

BIPOC-owned BUSINESSES

The Social Venture Fund

In 2018, Propeller made its first investments through the Propeller Social Venture Fund, a $1 million loan fund that provides loans between $20,000 and $100,000 to BIPOC and social entrepreneurs in New Orleans.

826 New Orleans built and opened their 4,200 square foot Youth Writing Center in the 7th Ward. A hub for creativity, the Center hosts writers ages 6-18 for after-school programs, field trips, workshops, and a Young Writers’ Council.

Bhoomi Cane Water purchased equipment to reduce manufacturing costs and hired its first sales director, preparing them to raise an additional $725,000 of follow-on funding.

Clean Course Meals purchased commercial kitchen equipment and opened their first retail storefront in Chalmette. They also grew their e-commerce offerings and customer base through meal prep and meal plan options.

Propeller Incubator

110+

events hosted

member organizations

individual members

Working, Connecting, and growing at the Propeller Incubator

Incubator Spotlight

New Orleans Abortion Fund

A member of the Propeller Incubator since 2016, the New Orleans Abortion Fund affirms a person's right to control their body and works to ensure that all people have access to quality medical care, regardless of their economic situation. Working with local medical providers, they provide compassionate and empowering assistance to patients seeking abortions who are unable to fully fund their abortion and fund clients as possible.

“When other landlords rejected the New Orleans Abortion Fund as a tenant, Propeller Incubator welcomed us, embracing and supporting our mission of funding abortion.”

‍

Amy Irvin

Executive Director

Propeller in the news

New Team Announced to Serve as Honorary Co-chairs on Cantrell's Transition Team

Propeller Executive Director Andrea Chen joins the board of advisors selected to support Mayor-elect Cantrell in her transition into office.

Small-scale Program Providing Big Returns in Fight to Increase Food Access

In New Orleans, a pilot program is proving that corner stores can help improve access to fresh, healthy food.

Meet 3 Startups With Ideas to Help New Orleans Flood Less and Preserve the Coast

At Propeller's annual water pitch competition, a new round of startups and nonprofits bring ideas to improve how Southeast Louisiana lives and works with water.

These Black Entrepreneurs are Fighting Gentrification on South Broad Street

The entrepreneurs of Propeller's South Broad Business Initiative are building brick-and-mortar businesses, creating jobs, and building community along South Broad Street.

Founders and Venture Capital: Racism is Costing us Billions

Propeller Director of Programs Daniel Applewhite on why we need to change the way we invest to collectively fund and facilitate solutions to funding bias.

After Nearly a Decade, Business Incubator Propeller Continues to Grow, Support Social Entrepreneurs

The nonprofit Andrea Chen co-founded almost 10 years ago has 26 full-time employees and operates a 10,000-square-foot office, helping entrepreneurs nurture ideas to tackle inequities.

How This Woman Went From Amateur Yogi to Extraordinary Studio Owner

With the help of Propeller's Accelerator program, yogi Ajax grew into a small business leader and the owner of New Orleans' first Black-owned yoga studio.