The Mission of this Program is to increase the viability and competitiveness of Louisiana’s Small and Emerging Businesses (SEBs) by providing business and technical training and assistance through the Small and Emerging Business Development Program.

The Small and Emerging Business Development Program is a joint initiative between the Louisiana Department of Economic Development and the Southwest Louisiana Partnership for Economic Development. This program is intended to offer at a nominal or reduced cost quality managerial and technical assistance to certified small and emerging businesses in the Southwest Louisiana region of Allen, Beauregard, Cameron, Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis Parishes.

What is a Small and Emerging Business?

A Small & Emerging Business (SEB) is a firm that is owned and controlled by one or more Small and Emerging Business persons and meets the requirements of small and emerging business. Eligibility requirements fall into two categories that apply to the individual owners and to the applicant’s firm. In order to continue participation in the Program, a firm and its individual owner(s) must continue to meet all eligibility requirements.

Who is Eligible for this Program?

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a citizen of United States of America
• Must have lived in the State of Louisiana for at least one (1) year
• Personal net worth of each owner must be less than $200,000 (excluding personal residence and retirement assets i.e., IRA, 401K, pensions, etc.)
• Owner(s) required to spend a minimum of 35 hours per week in the business to qualify for certification in this program
• The business net worth at time of application cannot exceed $750,000
• Business must be organized for profit (nonprofits are not eligible) with its principal place of business in Louisiana

If you become certified as a Small & Emerging Business, you are eligible for...

Once you become certified as a Small & Emerging Business enterprise, you will be scheduled for one or more assessments to determine the type of managerial or technical services that you need. IMPORTANT! Your business may be required to pay a nominal or percentage of the cost for the managerial or technical services.

Types of services available include (not all inclusive):

• Accounting
• Cash flow management
• Exports/imports
• Benefits planning
• Human Resources
• Inventory management
• Marketing material/website design
• Procurement government
• Legal services
• Small Business Bonding Assistance program to help acquire quality bid, performance and payment bonds.

Let us help you by preparing you to grow your own business. Contact Adrian Wallace for more information.

Entrepreneurial Training and Business Essentials

This entrepreneurial training is a 6.5-week course encompassing 39 hours in which the instructors focus on the business essential tools necessary for business owners and entrepreneurs to operate a successful business.  The course is open to entrepreneurs, small business owners, executives, board of directors and all who are responsible for strategic planning, directing, and leading their business or organization. 

In addition to the vast amount of knowledge and business tools the participant receives, other benefits are assistance with obtaining licensing and certifications, business plan structure, proper documentation to fulfill state requirements, marketing, and advertising assistance.

This course is open to the business-minded professionals who are interested in growing and developing their business, opening a new business, or .gaining better control of current business operations.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Week 1                       Introductions and Orientation

                             Part 1

Week 2                       Microsoft Word Essentials

            Microsoft Word Essentials

Week 3                       Computer & Internet Essentials

                                    Social Media Essentials

Week 4                       Holistic Model – Personal and Professional Planning

Week 5                       Understanding and Managing Your Cash Flow Essentials

                                    Understanding and Managing Your Cash Flow Essentials

Week 6                       Defining your Market and Marketing Your Business Essentials

            Defining Your Market and Marketing Your Business Essentials

Week  7                      Business Operations Essentials

            Business Operations Essentials

 Business Essentials Outcomes

Participants will become equipped to engineer or update current business plans to a brief, useful, relevant, "living" document. We will focus on a strong marketing plan, financial plan and SWOT Analysis to facilitate the proposed or current structure, strategic tactics and, financing. The results will be focused leadership, strategic goals, ability to evaluate and steer future growth in a defined direction, a written marketing plan and, financial forecasts.

The sessions will focus on helping business owners and employees achieve increased productivity through more effective time management, planning & organizing, focusing on priorities, and managing interruptions and distractions.