Louisiana SBDC at LSU Alexandria

06/02/2026

Not every funding opportunity is looking for an idea. Some are looking for a solution that’s ready to move.

Louisiana’s new Rural Tech Catalyst Fund is designed for companies with healthcare-related products or services that can be deployed in rural communities within the next 180 days. That could include telehealth, healthcare access solutions, medical logistics, chronic disease support, digital health tools, and more.

This is not targeted toward businesses in the idea stage. As LED’s Josh Fleig explained:
“We need companies that have a product or service that can be deployed in the next 180 days.”

The program could provide:
• Grants or investments starting at $250,000
• Funding for pilots, expansion, and implementation
• Opportunities for companies working in Louisiana’s rural healthcare space

If your company already has a working solution and is ready to scale, this may be worth exploring quickly. Applications are now open, and the state is working on an accelerated timeline.

Learn more about the fund and eligibility here: https://rtcf.la.io/

For innovative businesses operating in healthcare, technology, logistics, or service delivery — especially those focused on solving real rural challenges — this is one to watch.

Louisiana Economic Development U.S. Small Business Administration

06/01/2026

This week, small business owners across Louisiana are building skills, asking questions, and investing in their next stage of growth. 💼

From understanding QuickBooks and financing to improving marketing, social media strategy, AI tools, and legal risk management, these trainings are designed to help business owners strengthen the day-to-day operations that support long-term success.

This week’s sessions include:
• Managing Your Business with QuickBooks
• Using Social Media with Purpose
• Starting and Financing Your Business
• AI for Marketing: Create Content that Attracts and Converts
• Business Legal Needs: Mitigating Liability to Third Parties

You don’t need a business degree to build a stronger business — just a willingness to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.
To see all training and register, click here:
https://www2.lsbdc.org/events.aspx?layout=3


U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana Economic Development

05/26/2026

This week’s trainings are all about working smarter, communicating better, and showing up where your customers already are.

From handling tough conversations to improving cash flow and using AI to create video content without ever being on camera, these sessions are built for real small business needs.

This week includes:
• Get on Video and Get it Everywhere - May 27, 1:00-2:00 PM
• Conflict Resolution – May 28, 9:00-11:00 AM
• Cash Flow Management 101 – May 28, 10:00 AM-11:30 PM
• Create Faceless Videos Your Customers Are Already Searching For – May 28, 1:00-2:00 PM
• Get on Video Without Getting on Camera – May 29, 1:00-2:00 PM

If you’ve been thinking about using video, improving your finances, or just getting more confident in daily business conversations, this is a good week to plug in.

👉 Register now and save your spot https://www2.lsbdc.org/Events.aspx?mode=1&area=Alexandria+%26+Central+Louisiana&zip=&miles=25¢er=18019&topicnum=0&format=2&days=90&sort=M&layout=0

05/22/2026

The LSBDC at LSUA will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day as we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🇺🇸

We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26.

05/22/2026

Yesterday, the LSBDC at LSUA had the opportunity to partner with the Grant Parish Chamber of Commerce and Jennifer Nichols for an engaging small business roundtable discussion focused on the marketing challenges facing small-town businesses.

Local entrepreneurs and business owners came together to share ideas, discuss real-world obstacles, and collaborate on ways to better connect with customers and grow their presence in their communities. Conversations like these are important because small businesses are the backbone of our local economies, and creating spaces for open dialogue and shared learning helps strengthen those communities.

We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to attend, participate, and contribute to the discussion. A special thank you to the Grant Parish Chamber of Commerce for collaborating with us to make this training possible, to Jennifer Nichols for taking time to share valuable marketing insight and expertise with attendees, and to the Grant Parish Library for sharing your space with us.

It was a pleasure coordinating a training like this for the community, and we look forward to hosting more events like this here and throughout other communities we serve.

Grant Parish Chamber of Commerce
Visual Concepts & Designs

05/21/2026

Congratulations to this team!

🏆 Congratulations to the LSBDC at Southeastern Louisiana University on receiving the 2026 Excellence & Innovation Center Award at Spotlight Louisiana!

This recognition reflects more than numbers: it highlights a team that has worked intentionally to rebuild, reconnect, and strengthen its presence throughout the Northshore region.

Through the leadership and dedication of Wayne Ricks, Dillon Sullivan, Raynard Francois, and Karen Romero, the Southeastern LSBDC has focused on renewing relationships, expanding outreach, and creating meaningful connections with the small business community they serve.

Their commitment to collaboration, growth, and supporting entrepreneurs continues to make a lasting impact across the region. Congratulations to an outstanding team on this recognition!

05/20/2026

⏰ Plan for the What-Ifs

More customers sounds like a win… until it isn’t. Sometimes demand spikes faster than you expect, and what used to feel like success can start to feel like stress.

💡 Try this:
Ask yourself—“If demand doubled next week, what would break first?”

A few small steps like inventory buffers, cross-training, and simple “busy day” plans can help your business handle growth without losing control.

Prepared businesses don’t just grow—they scale.

05/19/2026

There’s still time to join us THIS Thursday for Small Business, Small Budget, Big Ideas!

If you’re a small business owner trying to figure out what marketing actually works, how to better reach your audience, or how to stop wasting time on strategies that don’t bring results, this workshop is for you.

We’ll cover:
✔ Understanding your audience
✔ Creating a simple marketing plan
✔ Smarter ways to spend your time and energy
✔ Turning big ideas into practical action steps

📍 Grant Parish Library – Colfax
📅 Thursday, May 21
⏰ 6:00 PM
🎟 In Person | Open to Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
REGISTER HERE: https://www2.lsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=21460049

Come ready to learn, ask questions, and leave with ideas you can actually use.

05/18/2026

💼 Is your business loan ready?
If you've been thinking about applying for funding but don't know where to start — this session is for YOU.
Join us for Getting Your Business Loan Ready: What Lenders Want to See, where we'll break down everything you need to know before you apply.

Here's what you'll walk away with:
✅ A clear picture of your funding options
✅ Insight into how lenders make decisions
✅ What your business plan MUST include
✅ How to organize your numbers (no finance degree needed!)
✅ Common mistakes to avoid before you apply
📅 Tuesday, May 19th
⏰ 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
💻 Virtual

Register now → https://www2.lsbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=19460008

05/14/2026

📅 This week is PACKED with free trainings designed to help your business grow!

Don't let another week go by without investing in yourself and your business. Register today! 🔗
https://www2.lsbdc.org/Events.aspx?mode=1&area=Alexandria+%26+Central+Louisiana&zip=&miles=25¢er=18019&topicnum=0&format=2&days=90&sort=M&layout=0