The Gulf Coast Marketplace (GCM), the New Orleans area e-commerce startup, is launching a service to provide e-commerce solutions for artists, craftsmen and start-up entrepreneurs located throughout the region. GCM opened an office in JEDCO’s new Business Innovation Center at Churchill Technology & Business Park in Avondale, LA. GCM’s launch comes on heels of two other startups recently moving into Churchill.
The marketplace is being developed by Options for Independence, a Houma-based non-profit, in collaboration with several Louisiana economic development, government and business leaders.
Scheduled to launch this month, the Gulf Coast Marketplace will serve as an online consignment shop for hand-crafted products and services created by people living in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. It will also feature the talents of local musicians, tourism attractions and a fundraising component.
Barry Chauvin, CEO for Options for Independence said in a statement that “The mission of The Gulf Coast Marketplace is to contribute to community recovery by providing opportunities for economic growth and financial independence, especially for those impacted by disaster. This virtual marketplace will serve as an economic stimulator for the region, while promoting and celebrating the rich diversity of cultures and talents that exist throughout the Gulf Coast.”
The Business Innovation Center is designed to assist in the development of business start-ups and early-stage companies by providing them with the advantage of lower operating costs, interaction with other entrepreneurs and direct interaction with business experts and resources. Early-stage growth businesses enjoy ready access to JEDCO’s resources and expertise by locating their business within the Business Innovation Center or by participating remotely in the incubator program.