Empowering local businesses for a greener future

Several key factors can enhance cities’ drive to build sustainable communities. One of the key factors for sustainable development is investing in human capital adapted to the regional increase in the number of jobs, which strengthens the ecological economy. Green economies focus on sustainability and environmental protection through initiatives such as renewable energy and resource efficiency, while integrating human capital by incorporating nature-focused projects and practices in urban areas, which helps mitigate environmental impacts and supports economic growth and resilience .

The equitable distribution of green economic opportunities for minority and women-owned small businesses (MWSBEs) is critical to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This means ensuring equitable access to resources, contracts and support mechanisms in the green economy, such as renewable energy projects, the development of environmentally friendly infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. However, significant obstacles may arise due to MWSBE’s often limited experience with green infrastructure projects. Despite the proven effectiveness of green infrastructure in increasing urban resilience, the adoption of strategies to increase green infrastructure training and contracts with MWSBEs remains limited. This obstacle not only hinders progress towards sustainable development, but also hinders the equitable distribution of economic opportunities.

Cities can pursue strategies that achieve the dual goals of sustainability and economic inclusion by focusing green economy efforts on Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) businesses and workers.

Cooperation

To achieve this dual goal, City of New Orleans engaged local nonprofit partner Thrive New Orleans to implement the Green Business Academy, a robust set of strategies that train a green workforce while expanding the use of local BIPOC vendors.

Through collaboration with NLC on the Southern Cities Economic Inclusion Initiative (SCEI), the City of New Orleans and Thrive New Orleans have taken active steps to close the knowledge gap and empower underrepresented entrepreneurs. This innovative program provides a comprehensive curriculum tailored to the specific needs of local landscaping professionals and contractors, equipping them with business certifications and technical skills in stormwater management.

Green infrastructure includes a variety of practices designed to mimic natural processes to manage water, mitigate floods, improve air quality, and promote biodiversity in urban environments. Among these practices, flood mitigation stands out as a key element in protecting cities against increasing threats from extreme weather events caused by climate change. Traditional flood mitigation approaches often rely on concrete structures and centralized drainage systems, which not only incur high costs but also disrupt natural hydrological cycles, worsening downstream flooding and water pollution. Meanwhile, green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens and green roofs provide a sustainable alternative by harnessing nature’s innate ability to absorb, retain and slowly release water.

Green Business Academy’s hands-on approach not only imparts theoretical knowledge, but also facilitates hands-on learning experiences, enabling participants to gain first-hand insight into implementing green infrastructure projects. By fostering a collaborative learning environment, the Academy builds a sense of community among participants, encouraging knowledge sharing and mutual support. Moreover, by incorporating elements of business certification into the curriculum, the program increases the marketability of MWSBE, opening new opportunities for growth and diversification within the emerging green economy.

Individual approach

One of the key strengths of the Green Business Academy at Thrive New Orleans is its emphasis on local relevance and understanding context. By tailoring the curriculum to the unique environmental and socioeconomic dynamics of the region, the program ensures that participants are equipped with practical skills that are directly applicable to the challenges and opportunities present in their communities. This localized approach not only increases training effectiveness, but also fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship among participants, enabling them to become change agents in their neighborhoods.

In addition to developing technical skills, Green Business Academy offers mentoring and networking opportunities, connecting participants with industry experts, decision-makers and potential clients. These connections facilitate the exchange of knowledge and create paths for cooperation and business development, strengthening the local green economy ecosystem.

Measurable results

As a result of their dedicated efforts, Thrive New Orleans has achieved impressive results. Last year, 165 residents took part in training under the program, and 144 received Green Infrastructure Certificates. Additionally, 163 people completed apprenticeships or internships, of which 144 completed these programs and 100 found full-time employment.

The success of the Green Business Academy at Thrive New Orleans is a testament to the transformative power of community-led initiatives to simultaneously support sustainability and economic empowerment. By investing in MWSBE capacity building and supporting an inclusive green innovation ecosystem, cities can open new paths towards resilience, prosperity and social equity. As we overcome the complex challenges of the 21st century, it is imperative that we harness the full potential of local talent and resources to build cities that are not only sustainable, but also equitable and prosperous for all. Together, cities can harness the promise of green infrastructure and enable communities to shape a greener and more resilient future for future generations.