Events/Workshops

This seminar will present information regarding incentives for small businesses in southwest Louisiana. This includes tax breaks, training assistance, and other programs offered for business owners.

Speaker: Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning Commission

Location: SWLA Economic Development Alliance, Lake Charles

You must have the proper licenses and permits to start or operate a business. Learn how to obtain tax ID numbers, permits, and licenses. Learn the difference between "C" and "S" corporations, sole proprietorships,partnerships, and LLC's.

Speaker: Winston Williams

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

This workshop for entrepreneurs will provide information on establishing and developing a successful business plan. Resources covering financing options, business ownership and funding sources will be available. Great seminar for new entrepreneurs or those starting a new venture

Speaker: Jerre Madere

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

This seminar will educate people wishing to start their own business on business basics, including licenses, permits, business plans, cash flow projections, loans, and other useful start up information.

Speaker: ULL LSBDC Consultant Zachary McNeal

Location: South Louisiana Community College, Fine Arts Lab, Lafayette

This workshop is recommended for individuals exploring business ideas, planning to start, have recently started, or want to expand a small business and those seeking a small business loan. Topics of discussion include business feasibility, business planning, sources of funding, small business resources and required licenses.

Location: LSBDC at University of Louisiana Monroe, Administration Building Room 2-105, Monroe

This workshop will present the basics of starting & financing a small business including licenses, permits, business plans, the lending process and other essential startup information.

Speaker: Cooper Cochran, Director, Louisiana Small Business Development Center at LSUS

Location: LSBDC at LSU Shreveport: Main Office, Business Education Building, *Shreveport

It's no wonder we feel pulled in a million directions. In today's hectic world, what are some of the things that pull our attention and demand our time. Address: Why is time management important to a business? Why does our ability to manage our time affect our companies?

Speaker: Bonnie Canal

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

This workshop is recommended for individuals exploring business ideas, planning to start, have recently started, or wanting to expand a small business and those seeking a small business loan. Topics of discussion include business feasibility, business planning, sources of funding, small business resources and required licenses.

Speaker: Frances Methvin

Location: LSBDC at Northwestern State University: Main Office, Dunbar Plaza, STE 114C, *Alexandria

A solid website strategy is a must for success in today's business economy and market. And must be integrated into the business opperations and marketing strategy. In this workshop you will learn about: The components of a successful website; how your website should be designed to increase sales and profits.

Speaker: Christian Galvin

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

Speaker: Winston Williams LSBDC, Brenda Labat St. John Purchasing & Procurement

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

Extend your hand to reach your goals. You can build relationships and create business opportunities through social networks that ultimately improve your bottom line. Learn the essential elements and fundamental skills of this effective, low-cost marketing technique.

Speaker: Jerre Madere

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

This workshop is recommended for individuals exploring business ideas, planning to start, have recently started, or wanting to expand a small business and those seeking a small business loan. Topics of discussion include business feasibility, business planning, sources of funding, small business resources and required licenses.

Speaker: Jim Kilcoyne

Location: LSBDC at Northwestern State University, Russell Hall, Room 114A, Natchitoches

Monday January 26, The Export and Import Business; Wednesday January 28, Pricing, Terms, Quotations, and Customs Entry Procedures; Monday February 2, International Banking, Financing, Transportation, and Documentation; Wednesday February 4, International Marketing Plans;

Speaker: Ruperto Chavarri

Co-Sponsor: World Trade Center, U.S. Customs, U.s. Export Assistance Center, Asian Chamber of Commerce

Location: International Trade Assistance Program, World Trade Center, New Orleans

Business Plan Writing This seminar covers in detail creating the parts of your business plan.

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

This workshop is designed for individuals exploring business ideas and covers small business resources, funding, legal issues, and other basics.

Speaker: Cooper Cochran, director of Louisiana Small Business Development Center at LSUS

Location: LSBDC at LSU Shreveport, LA Tech Enterprise Center, Louisiana Tech

Workshop will offer the business community a realistic picture of the current and potential economic and political climate of our state and region during this time of economic change. Our experts will offer advice and guidance to assist you in identifying strategies that will help your business come through this challenging time successfully.

Speaker: Dr. Loren Scott, Professor Emeritus of Economics at LSU, Joe Mason, LSU Professor of Banking, Buddy Roemer, President & CEO Business First Bank, Jim Nickel, Steve Sparks, and H.R. Penton, CEO Innovation Insights

Co-Sponsor: LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business' Executive Education Program, LSU's Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, LSBDC Technology Center at LSU, and LBTC

Location: Lod Cook Conference Center, Lod Cook Conference Center, Baton Rouge, LA

This workshop will explore the basic format for a business plan whether it's to determine the feasibility of a business idea, apply for a loan, prepare for change during an uncertain economy or simply use as a road map for your business. Bonus: Participants will receive a copy of "Business Plan in a Day" by Rhonda Abrams ($19.95 value!)

Speaker: Wayne Hogue, director of LSUS Leadership Education and Development program, management instructor and small business owner

Location: LSBDC at LSU Shreveport: Main Office, Business Education Building, *Shreveport

Join other small business owners to hear strategies for suriviving -- even prospering -- during a weak economy. Ron Boudreaux, president of First Louisiana Bank, will talk about financial credit, managing cash flow and marketing during lean times. If you want to manage your small business more effecitively, you don't want to miss this program. Lunch provided.

Speaker: Ron Boudreaux, president, First Louisiana Bank

Location: LSBDC at LSU Shreveport: Main Office, Business Education Building, *Shreveport

The crux of any business is to operate successfully in a highly competitive world, which simply gets measured by the size of the profits that are generated. While a number of other parameters are also used to gauge how an enterprise runs, profit still reigns supreme and therefore the key to the success of any business is to formulate an effective strategy to increase profits.

Speaker: Winston Williams

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

Topics: Louisiana Economic Development Corporation Financial Programs, Research & Development Tax Credit, Industrial Tax Exemption Program, Restoration Tax Abatement, Quality Jobs and Enterprise Zone Programs, are covered in great detail with Louisiana Workforce Commission and Louisiana Department of Revenue.

Speaker: Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Dept. of Revenue, Louisiana Workforce Comission

Co-Sponsor: Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Dept. of Revenue, Louisiana Workforce Comission, LSBDC

Location: State Archive Bldg., 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge

Exceptional Customer Service is the core of successful businesses. Acquire powerful techniques and concensus building tactics. Conclude with practical methods to implement new customer service ideas through collaboration and unlock breakthrough performance.

Speaker: Bonnie Canal

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

This one evening seminar will cover the many features of this popular business accounting software. Although it is not an in-depth seminar, attendees will learn the basic functions and understand what types of business this software will benefit. Because this is a grant funded event, there will be no charge for attending. Those interested in attending must pre-register.

Speaker: Monica Lacombe

Co-Sponsor: Imperial Calcasieu Resource Conservation and Development

Location: LSBDC at McNeese State University, Business Conference Center, Lake Charles

This one evening seminar will cover the many features of this popular business accounting software. Although it is not an in-depth seminar, attendees will learn the basic functions and understand what types of business this software will benefit. Because this is a grant funded event, there will be no charge for attending. Those interested in attending must pre-register.

Speaker: Monica LaCombe

Co-Sponsor: Imperial Calcasieu Resource Conservation and Development

Location: LSBDC at McNeese State University: Main Office, Burton Business Center, *Lake Charles

Learn QuickBooks from the ground up during this workshop. A certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor will teach you basic uses and features of QuickBooks including: setting up & getting started, working with QuickBooks list and bank accounts, entering sales, invoices and receiving payments, creating reports, graphs and analyzing financial data.

Speaker: Winston Williams

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

This workshop explores setting up a simple record keeping system, developing a budget, making cash flow projections and preparing financial statements. A basic demonstration of Quickbooks will be included. Workshop price includes a copy of "Keeping the Books" by Linda Pinson ($22.95 value) and free admission to Feb. 24 Small Business Tax Workshop ($10 value).

Speaker: Peggy Connor, consultant, Small Business Development Center

Location: LSBDC at LSU Shreveport: Main Office, Business Education Building, *Shreveport

Income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement: Learn how these business financial statements apply to your business and the types of questions a banker sees from the statements. Hints on how to use these valuable tools to better manage your business.

Speaker: Winston Williams

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

In this day and time EVERYONE is in sales. Most people don't know the best way to handle their selling situations, opportunities and barriers. This training will assist the non-sales person to overcome some of the fear, challenges and have some go-to answers.

Speaker: Bonnie Canal

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

Looking to increase your customer base on a shoestring marketing budget? Learn: key marketing points for your product; the secrets to attracting customers: how to layout your marketing plan; how to identify key promotional tools that fit your business; free resources that exist for marketing & promoting your business

Speaker: Bonnie Canal

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

Looking to increase your customer base on a shoestring marketing budget? Learn: key marketing points for your product; the secrets to attracting customers: how to layout your marketing plan; how to identify key promotional tools that fit your business; free resources that exist for marketing & promoting your business

Speaker: Bonnie Canal

Location: LSBDC Greater New Orleans Region: Main Office, UNO Jefferson Center, *Metairie

Is your business prepared to handle government contracts resulting from a natural disaster? Topics to be covered include: registrations required and how to complete them, the acquisition process, pricing and labor laws, size determinations, prime and sub contracting

Speaker: Bob Dempsey, LA PTAC New Orleans

Co-Sponsor: LA PTAC

Location: LSBDC at Southeastern Louisiana University, SLU St Tammany Center, Mandeville/Abita Springs

The SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program, named for a section of the Small Business Act, is a business development program created to help small disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market. This workshop will cover all eligibility criteria for Section 8(a) program participation. Review of required docs and supporting info will be included. A CURRENT CCR REGISTRATION AND AN SBA GLS LOGIN IS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR 8(a) CERTIFICATION. Please refer to the assessment tool at http://training.sba.gov:8000/assessment to ensure that your business is considered eligible for 8(a) certification and to obtain information on CCR registration and an SBA GLS login.

Speaker: SBA District Office

Co-Sponsor: LA PTAC Southeast

Location: LSBDC at Southeastern Louisiana University: Main Office, Southeast Louisiana Business Center, *Hammond

The HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program stimulates economic development and creates jobs in urban and rural communities by providing Federal contracting preferences to small businesses. These preferences go to small businesses that obtain HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) certification in part by employing staff who live in a HUBZone. YOU CANNOT APPLY FOR HUBZONE CERTIFICATION WITHOUT A CURRENT CCR REGISTRATION. AN SBA GLS LOGIN IS ALSO REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR A HUBZONE CERTIFICATION. Information on CCR and the SBA GLS login, go to https://eweb1.sba.gov/hubzone/internet/general/dsp_enter_application.cfm?null=1229357223931

Speaker: Louisiana SBA District Office

Co-Sponsor: LA PTAC Southeast

Location: LSBDC at Southeastern Louisiana University: Main Office, Southeast Louisiana Business Center, *Hammond