Louisiana SBDC at ULM

06/02/2026

Register NOW: https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=9460058
Join us for an informative workshop designed to connect local manufacturers with valuable resources, industry incentives, and innovative business solutions.

Hear from industry experts as they share insights on operational support opportunities, funding resources, economic development programs, and how AI-driven internal processes can help improve efficiency, productivity, and overall business performance. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive Q&A sessions following each presentation.

📅 June 25
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Louisiana Delta Community College
236 Industrial Dr. , Jonesboro, LA 71251

Featured speakers include representatives from Community Business Finance, Louisiana Economic Development, and the Louisiana Association of Manufacturers.
Register today and take advantage of resources designed to help your manufacturing business grow and succeed.

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.

06/01/2026

📢 Join us for our Child Care Startup Assistance Workshop and gain the knowledge, tools, and resources you need to successfully launch, grow, and manage a thriving early child care small business!

✅ Startup guidance
✅ Legal requirements & licensing information
✅ Business planning strategies
✅ Operational best practices
✅ Industry insights from experts

Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen your existing child care business, this workshop is designed to help you succeed.

📍 Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana
117 Hall St., Monroe, LA 71201

📅 June 15, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM

Register today! https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=9460064

U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana Economic Development ULM College of Business and Social Sciences Louisiana SBDC at ULM University of Louisiana Monroe Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) Bryan Greenwood Heidi Lendle Melancon

05/27/2026

🌟Wednesday Win | Client Spotlight🌟

Meet April Takewell and Leighlah — the mother-daughter team behind Leighlah’s Lemonade Lounge, a growing women-owned mobile lemonade business serving communities across North Louisiana.

What started as a simple lemonade stand with a goal of funding a Disney World trip quickly turned into something much bigger. As customers embraced their refreshing drinks and joyful energy, the stand grew in popularity and opportunity. April soon invested in a mobile cart and began taking the steps to formally establish the business.

With guidance from LSBDC at the University of Louisiana Monroe, April received one-on-one support to start her LLC and navigate the early stages of business ownership.

Today, Leighlah’s Lemonade Lounge can be found at festivals and community events across the region, including the Louisiana Peach Festival, the Louisiana Chicken Festival, and Kiroli Park events. More than a business, it’s a story of growth, hard work, and a young entrepreneur learning what’s possible.

05/21/2026

05/18/2026

Ready to level up your branding and marketing materials? Join us for Canva 101 and learn how to confidently create polished, professional designs using one of the most powerful free tools for businesses and organizations.

This hands-on workshop will walk you through Canva step-by-step, from basic navigation to creating cohesive, eye-catching content that helps build customer confidence and elevate your brand presence.

📅 Thursday, June 4
⏰ 5:30 PM
📍 Concordia Parish Library | 408 Texas St. Vidalia, LA 71373

Hosted by Concordia Chamber of Commerce & Louisiana SBDC.
Register today or scan the QR code on the flyer for more information!

Register now ! https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=9460055

Concordia Chamber Concordia Parish Library Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana Economic Development Heidi Lendle Melancon Bryan Greenwood ULM College of Business and Social Sciences University of Louisiana Monroe

04/29/2026

🇺🇸 Calling All VETERANS! 🇺🇸
Ready to take your business idea to the next level? Join us for the 2026 Veterans Bunker Workshop, a powerful, no-cost opportunity designed to help you build, refine, and grow a successful business plan.

This in-person workshop includes:
✔ Hands-on training using LivePlan software
✔ Expert guidance to strengthen your business plan
✔ Technology ideation and strategic insights
✔ One-on-one consulting support

📅 May 12 & 13, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Stubbs Hall, Room 250
700 University Ave, Monroe, LA

Led by Dr. Virendra Chhikara, ULM LSBDC Director & Business Consultant Rachel Pruitt

Participants will attend both workshop days, followed by a one-on-one consultation scheduled at their convenience.

🚨 Spots are limited, secure yours today!
🔗 https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=9460047
Know a veteran entrepreneur or someone with a business idea? Tag them below or share this post to help them get started!

04/20/2026

TONIGHT! Still time to register! https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=9460033

🌱 We are excited to announce FARMPRENEUR! 🐝

Ready to turn your passion into profit? Join us for an engaging evening, with insights on beekeeping, local horticulture, and launching your own small business ideas.
🔗 Register here: https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=9460033

04/09/2026

We’re excited to share that the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce has invited ULM-LSBDC to not only attend this upcoming event, but also speak on the topic of AI Utility for Small Businesses!
We strongly encourage you to secure your spot as soon as possible. This is an excellent opportunity to gain a competitive edge and connect with other forward-thinking business owners in the region. Lunch will be provided !
👉 Register now using this link to reserve your seat : https://www.westmonroechamber.org/event-detail/2BkPdrH81Ki4dFxj0hu2UQ2/ai-for-small-business-efficiency
We hope to see you there!