Funding through the Taylor Center has allowed me to pursue a social venture and to immerse myself in the New Orleans economic landscape in order to examine the extent to which local businesses support local nonprofit organizations.

Economic revitalization following Hurricane Katrina has led to entrepreneurship and social innovation taking on a new foothold in the city. Although difficult to quantify, the entrepreneurial spirit of the city is evident. As former CEO of the Idea Village Tim Williamson wrote, “entrepreneurship is humming, keeping perfect time with New Orleans’ rhythms and rituals.” AOL co-Founder Steve Case even wrote of the entrepreneurial momentum of New Orleans, specifically citing the Ed-Tech sector, in his recent book The Third Wave.

This rise in entrepreneurship is not limited to the for-profit sector in New Orleans; there is a great deal of innovative activity occurring within the local nonprofit sector as well. Because of this, there is unique opportunity for businesses to act as drivers of positive social change through funding innovative nonprofit organizations.

Some businesses in New Orleans incorporate social impact into their business model in various capacities. Some do this through committing to donate a percentage of their profits to nonprofit organizations. How might we contribute to a New Orleans in which businesses empower local, innovative nonprofits to a much larger extent? With the current entrepreneurial momentum of the city, there is great potential for change.