Economic Mobility

The GNO, Inc. Innovation Internship Program is a groundbreaking initiative created by the Greater New Orleans Region One Center for STEM (GNOrocs), a program of GNO, Inc. Designed exclusively for minority students enrolled at a Historically Black College/ University (HBCU) or Minority Serving Institution (MSI) 4- year colleges/universities in the state of Louisiana or who have permanent residency in the Greater New Orleans Area.

GIIP is an eight-week, paid internship program that allows students to cultivate marketable skills and build a standout resume. With five distinct tracks to choose from – Startup Track (Entrepreneurship), STEM Track, Engineering Track, Energy Track, and Venture Capital/Private Equity – GIIP opens doors to a world of innovation and professional growth.

This program not only connects students with some of the region’s most exciting industries and employers, but also exposes them to entrepreneurship, energy, engineering, venture capital/private equity, and STEM fields, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in areas where minority and gender groups have traditionally been underrepresented.

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Ecosystem Development

• Founders Circle – Collective of Black founders to champion ecosystem
• Brand – Startup Noir NOLA website and social media to position New Orleans as a hub for Black founders
• Prominent Events & National Partners – Support deployment of resources to Black founders, through activations like Bayou Classic 2024 (in partnership with LED/Techstars) and Essence Fest

Business Development

• Startups
  • Startup Talent Pipeline – Continue Startup track of Innovation Internships, launch Private Equity track (Summer 2025)
  • OHUB – Support OHUB’s New Energy Technology Incubator for minority-led startups (grant-funded partnership w/ GNO, Inc.)
• Small Business
  • Supplier Diversity/Procurement Programs – Starting with Super Bowl XIV, help local companies pursue certification for large-scale opportunities
  • Securing Coastal Contracts Series

Capital Development

• SSBCI – Engage in opportunities to ensure allocated funding is reaching minority founders, including through SNN SSBCI Showcase
• StartupNOLACapital Series – Leverage GNO, Inc.’s 2024-2025 StartupNOLA Capital Series, promote to BIPOC founders

Ecosystem Development

• GNOCareerGuide.org – Expand and promote GNO, Inc.’s online resource for connecting residents to training and career opportunities
• White House Space Coalition – National initiative of best practices for talent pipelining in aerospace and advanced manufacturing

Talent Pathways

• GNO Innovation Internship Program – Continue STEM, Startup, Engineering tracks; launch Future Energy and Private Equity tracks
• GNO RAAMP – Continue fostering skilled workforce pipelines in aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries through sectoral partnerships
• Re-Entry – Support multi-faceted efforts to increase workforce re-engagement with formerly incarcerated persons

Public Policy

• TWICe Act – Advocate for TWIC reform at the federal level
• MJ Foster Promise Program – Support continued funding to ensure access to workforce ready training, reskilling and upskilling for adults
• Early Childhood Advocacy – Increase funding for early childhood seats as a pillar in workforce support

Public Safety

• DXC x NOPD – Private-Public partnership to streamline NOPD application process; NOPD Crime Data Analyst office @ DXC
• NOPD Recruitment – Support NOPD talent recruitment/retention efforts
• Neighborhood Engagement Summit – Collaboration with the Orleans DA’s office to support economic rehabilitation in targeted areas

Youth Services & Org Capacity Building

• Pathways Pilot Program – Education and workforce initiative designed to engage employment-ready youth (16-24) with regional key industries
• City of New Orleans Youth Master Plan – Collaborate with the Office of Youth Services to drive plan implementation
• Youth Org Funding – Through TNC fundraising, Superbowl Impact 59, and grant opportunities, grow investment into youth serving nonprofits

Generational Wealth Building

• Financial Literacy & Home Ownership – through partnerships, including with OnPath Financial Credit Union, utilize Neighborhood Engagement Summits to provide resources for residents on banking and home ownership
• Adult Workforce Resources – Promote adult workforce opportunities and funding opportunities to reskill and/or upskill adults 25+, through Neighborhood Engagement Summits and other GNO, Inc. initiatives