The future of business is collaborative and it begins in New Orleans…
Your local sisterhood of service exchange, support, and strategy. We're building something powerful in New Orleans. And we're inviting you to bring it.
BRX NOLA is a New Orleans-based barter network where women entrepreneurs and creatives exchange services—no cash, just contribution.
We're part of the national BRX network, but NOLA does it differently: we focus on in-person connection and community building across the Greater New Orleans area.
Our mission is to create a thriving ecosystem of women supporting women through their skills and expertise, eliminating financial barriers to growth while fostering authentic relationships that extend beyond transactional exchanges.
How do I apply for membership?
Click the "Join BRX NOLA" button below to fill out a short application. Our team reviews new submissions on weekdays, and you'll hear from us with next steps and an invite to our local community space.
The application process is intentionally simple and asks about your business, the services you offer, what you're seeking, and how you envision contributing to our community. We're looking for members who are as excited about giving as they are about receiving.
Once approved, you'll receive a welcome email with orientation materials, access to our member directory, and an invitation to the next Third Thursday meetup where you can begin connecting with potential exchange partners.
What kinds of services can be exchanged?
If you have a skill that supports entrepreneurs—you belong here. Our members exchange services like:
Marketing and social media strategy
Graphic design and branding
Business coaching and consulting
Legal templates, admin support, and accounting
Photography, writing, and more
Whether you're a side hustler or seasoned pro, if you've got value to share, you're welcome.
Our community is diverse and constantly evolving. Recent exchanges have included website audits, portrait photography sessions, copywriting for launch campaigns, bookkeeping assistance, and even podcast production services.
The beauty of BRX NOLA is discovering unexpected collaborations—like when a chef exchanged cooking lessons for brand strategy, or when a lawyer traded contract templates for social media content creation.
What happens at Third Thursday meetups?
Each month, we gather in-person at rotating locations across New Orleans. These meetups include:
Casual, structured networking
Skill-sharing circles
Time to connect with potential barter partners
Local spotlights and resource sharing
They're part community mixer, part coworking support—and all BRX.
A typical Third Thursday flows through several intentional phases: we begin with a welcome circle where everyone shares their current offers and needs, then move into facilitated connection activities designed to help you find your perfect exchange partners. The middle portion features a spotlight presentation from a community member sharing their expertise, followed by open networking time.
Each meetup has a different theme based on member feedback—from "Visibility & Marketing" to "Systems & Operations" to "Wellness & Sustainability." We always end with concrete next steps and exchange opportunities, so you leave with clear pathways to collaboration.
Locations vary monthly, showcasing women-owned venues throughout the city from the Garden District to the Bywater, Mid-City to Gentilly.
What makes BRX NOLA different from other networking groups?
Unlike traditional networking groups that focus primarily on referrals or business card exchanges, BRX NOLA creates tangible, immediate value through actual service exchanges. Here's what sets us apart:
Action-oriented community: We move beyond conversations into collaborative work
Structured exchange system: Our request form and approval process ensures fair, balanced trades
Relationship-first approach: We emphasize quality connections over quantity
Local, women-centered ecosystem: Built specifically for the unique needs of New Orleans entrepreneurs
Skills-based economy: Value is measured by contribution, not just financial metrics
Our members repeatedly tell us that BRX exchanges lead to deeper professional relationships than typical client work—because both parties enter as equals, bringing their expertise to the table.
Is there a membership fee?
BRX NOLA is currently transitioning into a 501(c)(6) nonprofit business league—a structure designed to support women entrepreneurs through skill-sharing, leadership, and local connection.
Instead of launching with set dues right away, we're starting with a "Name Your Price" model to help crowdfund the launch of this local chapter.
💸 Why Name Your Price?
We're inviting early members to contribute what they can as a one-time founding gift—whether it's $5 or $100—to support:
Venue costs for Third Thursday meetups
Chapter materials, onboarding tools, and shared resources
Access to our national BRX platform (in beta!)
Local leadership stipends, technology, and operations
This contribution grants you early access to the community and shows you're invested in building something new, together.
📅 What Happens After Pre-Launch?
Once we officially file and become a 501(c)(6), we'll introduce monthly membership dues:
$50 one-time registration fee
$25/month dues(Founding Rate – locked in for life)
At that point, your dues will be considered a deductible business expense—just like joining a chamber of commerce or industry association.
✨ Why It Matters
You're not just paying to be part of something. You're helping build it.
BRX NOLA is powered by women who believe in shared value, collective growth, and building business differently.
Your contribution today helps open doors for the community tomorrow.
What's the long-term vision for BRX NOLA?
We're building more than just a barter network—we're creating an alternative business ecosystem where women can grow their ventures with community support. Our vision includes:
Geographic expansion: Neighborhood-based pods throughout Greater New Orleans
Educational programming: Skill-building workshops led by and for members
Resource library: Shared tools, templates, and materials for all members
Collaborative workspace: Physical locations for exchanges and co-working
Community investment fund: Pooled resources for larger initiatives
We envision a future where BRX NOLA becomes an essential part of the entrepreneurial infrastructure in New Orleans—where women automatically turn to the community first when seeking services, before looking to traditional cash-based options.
By joining now, you're not just an early adopter—you're a co-creator helping shape this vision from the ground up.
How much time commitment is expected from members?
BRX NOLA is designed to fit into your existing business rather than creating additional demands. The basic commitment includes:
Attendance at Third Thursday meetups (2 hours monthly, though not mandatory)
Service exchanges (1-2 per quarter, arranged on your own schedule)
Profile updates (15 minutes monthly to refresh your offers/needs)
Many members tell us that BRX activities actually save them time in the long run, as they access services more efficiently through exchanges than they could through traditional hiring processes. The relationships built often lead to streamlined collaborations that integrate smoothly with existing workflows.
We encourage an approach of "contribute what you can, when you can" rather than rigid participation requirements. The system works best when members engage authentically rather than out of obligation.