Louisiana SBDC at ULM

08/24/2026

The LSBDC at ULM is excited to announce, "Mastering the Digital Marketing Process" Workshop that will be held September 10th.

Participants will leave with clarity, confidence, and a personalized 30-day digital marketing action plan, ready to implement immediately.

Link to Register: https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=9460101

Participants must be SEBD Certified to attend
Link to become SEBD Certified at no cost: https://www.opportunitylouisiana.gov/program/small-and-emerging-business-development-program
For assistance becoming SEBD Certified, please contact our center at 318-342-1224 or email: [email protected]

Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana Economic Development ULM College of Business and Social Sciences University of Louisiana Monroe Grow NELA Heidi Lendle Melancon Bryan Greenwood Monroe Chamber of Commerce West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce Orhan Mc Millan - OM

08/04/2026

The LSBDC at ULM was honored to attend the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Top 20 Under 40 event last week.
We were especially proud to celebrate one of our own nominees, while also recognizing each of the outstanding professionals whose leadership, innovation, and dedication are making a lasting impact on our region.
It was inspiring to see so many individuals who are helping drive economic development, strengthen local businesses, and shape a brighter future for Northeast Louisiana. Congratulations to all of this year's nominees on this well-deserved recognition!

08/03/2026

ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT!
🚨If you are interested in learning more about the SEBD Roundtable, email [email protected] letting us know you are interested so we can get you more info!

This monthly roundtable is designed for entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their business and value connection, accountability, and real-world insight. You’ll join a group of driven business owners who are committed to learning and growing together.
What you can expect:
Monthly sessions (August–May) to keep you focused and on track
10 powerful, structured sessions designed to move your business forward
Guest speakers covering topics that matter to you
Opportunities to collaborate, problem-solve, and share experiences
A supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your strategy, gain fresh perspective, or stay accountable, the SEBD Roundtable provides the structure and community to help you succeed.

IF you have already been a member of a previous years roundtable, but have someone in mind that would be a perfect fit, please share their contact information with us and share this post🤝

07/01/2026

WHY WE LOVE WHAT WE DO!!
Congratulations to H2O 2 Geaux for their awesome business start-up! This is what it is all truly about, we love seeing our clients succeed!
Make sure to check them out for all your water, tea, & coffee 2 geaux needs!!
1601 N 18th St, Monroe, LA 71201 . (318) 570-2199. https://h2o2geaux.com/

07/01/2026

✨ Celebrating with Small Business Success! ✨

Meet April Takewell and her daughter Leighlah — the mother-daughter duo behind Leighlah's Lemonade Lounge! 🍋💛

What started as a simple lemonade stand to save up for a Disney World trip quickly grew into a thriving women-owned business serving festivals and community events across North Louisiana — including the Louisiana Peach Festival, the Louisiana Chicken Festival, and events at Kiroli Park.

With guidance from the LSBDC at UL Monroe, April navigated the process of launching an LLC and building a solid foundation for long-term growth.

🎉 Happy from the LSBDC at UL Monroe!

06/29/2026

We had a great time, with a great turnout of attendees. Thank you to the Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana for having us! Stay tuned for more to come.

We had some incredible guests at our recent workshops for potential child care startups! Thank you to everyone who joined us to explore opportunities in early childhood education and learn more about opening and sustaining high-quality child care programs.

We are especially grateful for our partnership with ULM's Small Business Development Center, whose expertise and guidance are helping future child care entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. Strong partnerships like these are essential as we work together to expand access to quality early learning opportunities for children and families across Northeast Louisiana.

The future of early childhood is bright, and we can't wait to see what these aspiring providers accomplish! 💙📚✨

06/23/2026

🚨Don't miss this valuable opportunity to connect with experts, discover available resources, and growth opportunities available to your business!"🚨

Register Here: https://www2.lsbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=9460058
This Thursday, June 25th at 12:00 PM

Whether you're an established manufacturer or looking to expand your operations, this workshop is packed with information and connections that can make a huge impact on your organization.

✅ Expert Presentations
✅ Resource & Loan Information
✅ Business Growth Opportunities
✅ Interactive Q&A Session
✅ Networking with Industry Professionals

Take advantage of this no cost opportunity to invest in the future of your business.

Register today and help us spread the word by sharing this post with fellow manufacturers and business leaders!

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 Citizens Progressive Bank U.S. Department of Agriculture Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce Grow NELA Louisiana Delta Community College

06/22/2026

📢 Louisiana Business Owners: Have You Experienced Damage from Tropical Storm Albert?

If your business was affected by flooding, wind damage, power outages, inventory loss, equipment damage, or other storm-related impacts, please take a few minutes to report your damages through the State of Louisiana's damage assessment portal.

Your report helps officials understand the full impact on businesses and communities and supports recovery and assistance efforts.

🔗 Report damage here: https://damage.la.gov/

Even if you are still assessing damages or have insurance claims pending, reporting is encouraged.

Please help spread the word to other businesses in affected areas.

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.