Mayor Latoya Cantrell has announced there will be no more festivals and events this year because of the coronavirus. President and CEO, GNO, Inc., Michael Hecht, agrees and says it would be difficult for big events to go on as scheduled in the fall.
“I think what I am concern about with the fall is actually not so much the big events because I think if you talk privately to some of the folks behind Jazz Fest and Essence, there will be real questions about how to do this,” said Hecht.
Related: Mayor Cantrell: No large events or festivals in New Orleans until 2021
The canceling of big events like Essence Fest, Jazz Fest and French Quarter Fest has had a huge, negative impact on local businesses in New Orleans who count on tourism dollars.
Hecht says once health officials give the all-clear, and life begins to return to something that resembles normal, the business will need financial help to reopen.
“We are going to get the wheels of the economy turning again but recognize it has to be done in a responsible way,” said Hecht.
Hect says GNO Inc is there to help business owners navigate all the federal loan options.
# Hect “We have a webinar today that we are calling ‘Loan Gumbo’ it’s at noon and we are basically going to take folks through all the different loan products that are out there, and grant products out there, and help them make sense as to which is the most appropriate for their business,” said Hecht.
Business owners can sign up for the webinar on their website, GNOINC.org.