Week in Review: June 4, 2012

The Silicon Bayou has been buzzing with tech and entrepreneurial news. Here are the most popular stories published on Silicon Bayou News in the past seven days:

The Times-Picayune’s downsizing brings potential for new industry in New Orleans

Adriana Lopez’s weekly post challenges everyone to look for the opportunities inherent in the change that hit last week regarding the Times-Picayune’s downsizing. She suggests that we, “create more media sources, prove that we are leaders in digital media with sophisticated digital news platforms, start a new small daily newspaper, create a nationally renowned publication that can be irreplaceable and continue to spread the good NOLA news on national levels.”

eTax Credit Exchange Closes $350,000 Seed Round; Brings Tax Credit Trading Online

Finally, an online tax credit exchange to buy and sell state and federal tax incentives will be offered for economic development. eTax Credit Exchange, the online marketplace for trading tax credits, has closed more than $350,000 in seed funding to develop its proprietary tax credit trading platform. Peter Loop, the former Louisiana Film Commissioner is launching the platform.

BarCampNOLA Ready to Roar Into Fifth Year July 14th and 15th

New Orleans’ tech “unconference,” BarCampNola is returning this summer for its fifth year. Set to take place July 14th and 15th, 2012 at Canal Place, the unconference traditionally features one day of co-learning and one day of co-hacking. Those interested in attending the conference are encouraged to attend NetSquared New Orleans’ Minibar tonight. In one hour, three mini-BarCamp presentations will be given to the group, the BarCampNola website for this year will be officially launched, and questions will be answered about the main event. Click here to get more information on Net2NO or the Minibar event.

Launch Media Expands to New Orleans and Partners with NewOrleans.com

Launch Media is a full-service video production company located throughout the Gulf South. They announced their expansion into New Orleans and now has offices downtown. The company enables a collaborative client experience, pioneering ways to put video products to work for clients to create more mindful videos. Launch Media provides B2B, B2c, business to workforce, and tv and film services. Their mission is, “to tell your story and to give it the power needed for lift off.”

What is an S-Corp?

Andrew Legrand is often asked about S-Corps. Turns out, an S-Corp is a tax classification. When you start a business, chances are you’ll be creating either an LLC or C-Corporation. Once you chose between those two entities, you have to decide how you want to be taxed. That’s where the S-Corp comes in.

New Facebooks Apps and Features

@HeyItsMegan breaks down the most recent additions to Facebook: the new apps and features. Pages is an app dedicated to the management of brand pages. Camera works a lot like Instagram, but allows you to upload multiple photos at a time to create albums. Other additions include paying to promote posts, scheduling posts, and the new administrator roles.

Propeller Announces 2012-2012 Social Venture Accelerator Fellows

Propeller (formerly SENO) announced recently twelve new fellows for their annual Social Venture Accelerator class including AMPS, Birthmark Doula Collective, BreakOUT!, Derrell Talent, The Fine Arts & Wellness Center, Gay It Forward, Global Health Services, Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana (JAC), Louisiana Lost Lands Environmental Tours, Nola Tilth, VEGGI Farmers Cooperative, and The Well Integrative Medicine, Sarah Mason & Arwen Podesta.

smartDIGITAL Raises 2.7 Million in Series A Funding

Chicago based smartDIGITAL, announced that it has secured $2.7 million in Series A financing led by Advantage Capital Partners. The recent funding has allowed the company to begin rebranding and introducing a new product line called Elevate Digital, which plans to complete the Series A round within the next 60 days. smartDIGITAL already provides its interactive street-level technology in Chicago and Miami and hopes to expand into New York City and nine other markets over the next 36 months.