New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has announced a Business Stabilization Fund for establishments on Lower Decatur and St. Peter Streets.
It comes amid a prolonged disruption due to slow construction projects.
“The poor communication and even more troubling execution of this SWBNO project has caused significant harm to the businesses and residents of this area. It should never have happened,” the mayor said. “This new fund is only one of the measures we are using to fix a problem the city did not create.”
Moreno has also vowed to hold the Sewerage and Water Board accountable.
The fund is $200,000.
Three businesses have already folded.
Here is more information from the city:
Award Amount - One-time payment with two (2) tiers, determined by the size of the business:
- $2,500 for businesses with fewer than 8 employees
- $5,000 for businesses with 8 employees
The fund program is designed to deliver the stabilization and continuity of historic, vibrant commercial corridors that generate sales tax revenue, which are reinvested into the French Quarter, sustain pedestrian activity that contributed to public safety, and preserve the historic character integral to New Orleans’ tourism economy. Moving beyond keeping doors open, the Business Stabilization Fund seeks to enable businesses to retain their workforce.
“The Decatur business payment assistance program is a meaningful investment in the entrepreneurs who bring energy, character, and economic opportunity to our community. Supporting local businesses strengthens the entire corridor and helps ensure long-term growth and success,” said District C Councilmember Freddie King, III.
Eligibility for the pilot assistance payments program is defined by geographic boundaries, with payments only applicable to businesses located along the following corridors:
- 900 block of Decatur St
- 1000 block of Decatur St
- 1100 block of Decatur St
- 600 block of Peter St
The Moreno Administration has identified $200,000 to begin the business stabilization fund. This initial amount is secured, in part, by the French Quarter Management District, which approved a contribution of $100,000 for this program, as well as assistance from French Market Corporation.
Businesses eligible to receive awards from the fund must meet the criteria listed below:
- Recipient has owned and continuously operated a business or commercial enterprise since January 1, 2025, at an address fronting the construction project boundaries.
- Recipient has experienced a decrease in revenue that is reasonably attributed to the construction project.
When applying, businesses will have to provide certification that:
- The decrease in revenues is equal to or exceeds the amount of assistance payments sought.
- The total sales tax remitted since January 1, 2025, exceeds amount of payment assistance sought.
- The business intends to use best efforts to continue operations.
- The applicant is willing to provide any information or documents reasonably requested to verify the accuracy of certification.
Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) will serve as the administrator for the program through The New Orleans Community Support Foundation.
To apply, visit: https://www.gnof.org/nonprofits/grants/
The application portal opens Monday, June 29th at 9:00 a.m.
Applications are due July 10, 2026.
