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Entrepreneur
Resources
Merriam-Webster defines an entrepreneur as "one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise."
Does this excite you or terrify you? If you've been kicking around an idea you want to turn into reality, or you've already tried getting your business off the ground but feel like you're running in circles trying to get answers to questions about how to move your business forward, below is a list of resources that exist solely to assist you get your business on the right path. Many of programs and organizations below offer training that focuses on different elements of running a business, from the early stages of writing a business plan to improving communications with your customers through social media to accessing federal for research and development. Most of them also have free e-newsletters that will keep you updated on new programs and services.
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Louisiana Small Business Development Center The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC Network) provides low- or no-cost guidance and training for small business owners and potential owners. Part of a statewide network supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Louisiana Economic Development and the host universities, the LSBDC serves Louisiana businesses through confidential counseling, group training, and business information resources. |
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Southern University at Shreveport Small, Women & Minority-Owned Business Incubator Do you dream of owning your own business? Are you currently a small business owner but need some assistance? Let your dream become a reality at one of Southern University at Shreveport's two business incubators (Shreveport and Bossier City locations). Services include: assistance in obtaining funding, networking with other entrepreneurs, flexible space and leases, no utility cost, security alarm system, furnished office space, janitorial service, business support services (secretarial, fax and copy machine access, telephone answering service, classroom and/or a conference space), business and technical assistance (onsite assistance, community referral system). |
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Louisiana Tech Enterprise Center LaTEC houses the Louisiana Tech Technology Incubator (LTTI) and the Technology Business Development Center (TBDC). As the primary business support and development outreach arm of Louisiana Tech University, LaTEC is designed to facilitate and promote the growth of new and existing ventures of the innovation enterprise in the I-20 corridor of north Louisiana. In addition to low-cost office space, equipment, facilities, and a synergistic work environment, LaTEC offers an extensive array of services to client businesses. The Enterprise Center's incubation space and services focus on early-stage technology companies with a connection to Louisiana Tech University. The services of the TBDC are developed for and provided to primarily technology businesses. |
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ARK-LA-TEX Regional Export & Technology Center The ARETC was established by The Coordinating & Development Corporation (CDC) as a means of creating jobs by fostering the success of our area's small businesses and entrepreneurs. ARETC provides a wide variety of services to the tenants in the Metro/Regional Business Incubator and to its "Incubator without Walls" clients. These services include: management and financial planning, marketing assistance, technology/technical assistance, seminars/training programs, one-on-one counseling, and networking contacts. In addition, ARETC provides information concerning international trade, tax incentives, legal requirements for starting a business, etc., and serves as the Northwest Louisiana outreach center for the Federal government's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. |
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NWLA Government Procurement Center Provides assistance to businesses in Northwest Louisiana to improve their chances of winning federal, state and local government contracts. |
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Visit this website to learn about the programs and services offered by Louisiana Economic Development to assist small businesses. From training programs to financial assistance and incentives, there is a wide variety of resources available to assist Louisiana entrepreneurs. |