Propeller, the social innovation incubator that drives social, environmental and economic impact in New Orleans, has received a $300,000 grant from U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). The grant will be used to support startups tackling coastal and urban water issues throughout the region.
Propeller is among four organizations across the Gulf South to receive a total of $2.1 million in EDA grants. The EDA awarded funding based on the organization’s alignment with their regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
The grant comes exactly 10 years after Hurricane Katrina. “A decade ago, our neighbors were told that they should not rebuild due to the magnitude of destruction,” stated Propeller Executive Director Andrea Chen. “We have come back since the storm, but we aren’t confusing progress with success. As we look ahead to the next decade, there is much more work to do. We appreciate EDA’s critical support of social ventures that will positively impact this community, our city, and our nation.”
Propeller recently expanded its accelerator programs to support startups across additional sectors, including water. Now set to serve twice as many water entrepreneurs, the 12-week program will be further enhanced through this latest grant.