February 22, 2012 12:42 PM • Log In • REGISTER

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Mardi Gras is more than just a party for local businesses in the city of New Orleans. Last year, the economic value of the carnival season contributed a total of $300.7 million to the city’s economy. Tourism, which brings in more than eight million visitors per year, creates a lot of revenue for local businesses. In fact, it has sustained 74,000 jobs and generated $5 billion annually for the local economy. Mardi Gras is one of the few events that has revived New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, which displaced thousands of Louisiana natives. The two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday are the most lucrative for New Orleans business owners. Most hotels are booked, from the French Quarter to miles away near the Armstrong International Airport. King cakes, a New Orleans staple, are only sold around the carnival season and tourists and locals alike roam the city to find the best. While everyone’s letting the good times roll, BlackEnterprise.com Decodes how local businesses watch the money roll in. —Kamaria Gboro

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Mardi Gras Decoded: Breaking Down the Big Easy’s Business Boom

When Mardi Gras hits New Orleans so does an influx of revenue for local businesses…

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New media has changed the way businesses function, increasing the amount of power consumers hold. This shift is evident in the way consumers use, socialize and interact with brands on the Web. Let’s face it: We are now, all—like it or not—immersed in a socially driven society, where the need to share every move, want, or purchase is apparent via our Google+ circles, Foursquare and Facebook check-ins, and instantaneous Twitter updates. Ann Mack, Director of Trendspotting at JWT in New York, set out Monday to inform brands how they can take advantage of social media at the opening of Social Media Week, showcasing some top consumer trends and the various ways customers interact with them. See what four trends brands should pay close attention to this year--and beyond. --Noni Cavaliere

Top Trends Shaping Social Media in 2012 and Beyond

Ann Mack, Director of Trendspotting at JWT in New York, set out Monday to inform…

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The American landscape would not be nearly as rich, diverse and hip without pioneering forces such as Don Cornelius. As the creator of Soul Train, Cornelius did more than establish a profitable company/brand but also simultaneously uplifted people of color by giving them a platform to express their innate talents while reinforcing positive and inspiring messages through the creative disciplines of music, dance and fashion. Following news of Cornelius’ recent passing, BlackEnterprise.com spoke with Kenard Gibbs, current CEO/Partner of Soul Train Holdings and co-founder of Madvision Entertainment, to Decode how Cornelius went from investing $400 into the Soul Train pilot to forever changing American culture. —Souleo

Soul Train Decoded: Don Cornelius Created the Hippest Brand in America

Following the death of Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, Black Enterprise explores the impact of…

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The US government is the single largest purchaser of goods and services in the US with over $700 billion in discretionary spending. But before hawking wares to Uncle Sam, entrepreneurs must first be aware of the requirements challenges and protocols inherent in doing business with the US. According to Mark Amtower, author of Selling to the Government: What It Takes to Compete and Win in the World's Largest Market, success or failure comes down to preparedness. Here are Amtower's six steps to doing business with the government. —Alan Hughes

6 Steps to Doing Business with the Government

An often untapped client for many small businesses is to seek out the government as…

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On the cusp of the Grammy Awards, Whitney Houston was found dead in her Beverly Hills, California hotel room this past Saturday afternoon at the young age of 48. As the news spread throughout the corners of the globe, fans and peers alike gasped in disbelief as “one of the best vocalist to ever grace the earth” had left us. Houston’s voice was magical. She belted out flawless notes effortlessly. Throughout the history of music there has been no one quite like Houston, and there will never be another. A voice as sweet as honey, yet soulful to the core, only comes around once in a lifetime. More than a singer, Houston’s career evolved to include acting, modeling and business, which she excelled in all. Despite a rough patch in her life, the iconic singer was back on the track to success with her upcoming role in the remake of Sparkle. In remembrance of the music icon, BlackEnterprise.com Decodes Whitney Houston’s lasting impact. —Bené Viera

Whitney Houston Decoded: The Diva’s Lasting Legacy

More than just a singer, Whitney Houston was an icon who’s influence crossed a multiple…

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THE MATCHMAKER: PAUL CARRICK BRUNSON The Beginning: Known to many as the “real life Hitch,” Brunson says he's the only black male matchmaker in the U.S., among full-time professionals in the industry. In 2008, he was seeking business advice from a friend and decided to meet up with her at a matchmaking conference. At the time, his day job was working as a financial adviser. He never ended up meeting with his friend, but he did stumble upon an interesting discussion. “There were about 250 matchmakers from all over the world---all blond women over the age of 40," he says. "It hit me: ‘Black people love too.’ ” Taking notice of the lack of diversity, Brunson decided to tap into a niche of his own.

Careers of Love: Black Professionals Banking on Romance

For these entrepreneurs, love does pay the bills. We talk to a matchmaker, romance novelist…

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Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week kicks off annually, showcasing designs from the best of the best in the industry. Top models, celebrities, and tastemakers come from around the world to see the latest trends in one of the top fashion capitals. Most view the multi-million-dollar end product of a week's worth of events--- whether from the front row, via the Web, or television---with major focus on the models and designers featured in the forefront. But the ultimate goal of such presentations is purchases and profits, and those behind the scenes ensure that goal is met. Take a look at five black fashion industry professionals making power moves beyond the runway, whether it's behind a lens or in front of it. ---Christian Law

Behind Fashion Week: 5 Black Professionals To Watch in 2012

As Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week continues, we take a look at five young black fashion industry…

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Prisoner being disciplined by being hog tied to a pickaxe in the middle of prison grounds

Take a Look at ‘Slavery By Another Name’

Visual highlights from director Sam Pollard’s gripping documentary Slavery By Another Name, based on Doug…

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40 Rising Stars 40 & Under

Success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. These women understand that and have all…

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