Dean Day La Small Business Development at McNeese

03/06/2026

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the 6th Annual 101 Women in Business Conference will take place March 17–19, 2026, at L’Auberge Casino & Hotel in Baton Rouge.

This event brings together entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders from across Louisiana to learn, connect, and explore strategies for building strong, sustainable businesses.

This year’s theme, “Built to Last: Leading with Integrity, Positioning for Growth,” focuses on leadership, financial resilience, and positioning businesses for long-term success.

Over the past five years, the conference has connected hundreds of participants with training, mentorship, contracting opportunities, and valuable business resources.

While the conference highlights the achievements and leadership of women in business, everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the conversation.

Register here: https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=7460003

03/03/2026

Want to land government contracts?
Join us for a NO-COST in-person training in and learn how to break into the world of government contracting.
✅ How the government buys goods & services
✅ How to search & bid for contracts

Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business through government opportunities!

02/24/2026

https://lailluminator.com/2026/01/26/internship-tax-credit/ #:~:text=The%20credit%20is%20available%20to,future%20years%20if%20participation%20grows

A new law in effect this year gives Louisiana businesses a larger income tax credit for internships, apprenticeships and other youth workers.

02/19/2026

📢 We’re Hiring a Business Consultant!

The LSBDC at McNeese is seeking a motivated to support entrepreneurs & small business owners across . If you’re passionate about helping businesses start, grow, & thrive, apply today.

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mcneese/jobs/5235041/sbdc-business-consultant?page=2&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

02/19/2026

There are more than 36 million small businesses in the United States.

If you're looking to join the ranks of America's entrepreneurs and start your own business, SBA has funding options, counseling, training, and other resources that can help!

Learn more: https://www.sba.gov

02/18/2026

Small business leaders are invited to apply to the CEO
Roundtables program. It’s a unique opportunity to learn in a
peer-to-peer, collaborative environment. Apply by March 31.
Learn more:
OpportunityLouisiana.gov/CEO-Roundtables

02/14/2026

We hope everyone has a safe and joyful Mardi Gras in !

Visit our website to request a business consultation &/or register for training: https://louisianasbdc.org/lsbdc-at-mcneese-state-university

02/04/2026

02/03/2026

Looking for funding to grow your small business? Louisiana Economic Development (LED) administers the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), offering multiple programs designed to help Louisiana entrepreneurs access the capital they need.

Whether you're seeking collateral support, loan guarantees, micro lending, or seed capital, there's a program that fits your needs.

Learn more about how SSBCI can support your business growth: https://www.louisianassbci.com/

02/02/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Susan Thibodeaux on her retirement!
Please join us in celebrating Susan as she retires from her role as Center Director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University.

For more than a decade, Susan dedicated her career to helping hundreds of entrepreneurs across launch, grow, & strengthen their small businesses. Her leadership and commitment to excellence earned statewide recognition, including the 2025 Pinnacle Award, one of the LSBDC network’s most prestigious honors. In 2024, she also received the Top Capital Award for helping clients secure more than $12.3 million in funding.

We are grateful for Susan’s years of service and the lasting impact she leaves on the small business community. Please join us in thanking her for her contributions and wishing her a joyful and fulfilling retirement.

01/30/2026

📣 Business Owners — We Want to Hear From You! 🌨️

Did the recent severe winter weather affect your business — whether through closures, lost customers, property damage, or extra costs?

The Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center, in partnership with Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and Louisiana Economic Development (LED), is collecting feedback from business owners across the state.

👉 Tell us your story: https://forms.juvare.com/LOUISIANA-SBA-EIDL

Sharing your input helps paint a clearer picture of the economic impact and can influence resources and support available to businesses like yours.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your experience — every response helps Louisiana businesses move forward.

Louisiana Economic Development U.S. Small Business Administration