September is jam-packed with events for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Take advantage of these upcoming events to help build your business and stay up-to-date on the latest trends:
BRAC Monthly Lunch: Bridging the Gap in Your Small Business
Join BRAC on September 6 to hear representatives from LED Small Business Services, NexusLA, PTAC, and East Baton Rouge Parish Library discuss local small business services and programs, with specific topics including: state programs available to small businesses, resources and databases available through EBRPL, investment readiness, and government contracting.
The September PitchBR event will be held on September 6 and feature a networking hour, followed by three entrepreneurs pitching their innovative product or service to the audience. PitchBR says, “The big idea is that when more people innovate, everyone prospers.”
Small Business Straight Talk with Capital One
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at Southern University is hosting a series of workshops for small business owners from now until April 2019. The workshops will cover topics including startup basics, financial preparations, Capital One bankers’ perspectives on loan requirements, online banking, access to capital, SBA loans and services, LED resources, marketing, buying a business or franchise, and legal structures.
Tech Park Academy | Employee Engagement
Tech Park Academy is a monthly seminar hosted by the Louisiana Technology Park. September’s seminar set for September 13 will feature Dima Ghawi, owner of a talent development consulting company, on the topic of employee engagement.
Business and community leaders are invited to network and enjoy a BRAC happy hour at Bonefish Grill (7415 Corporate Blvd, Suite 920) on Thursday, September 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Ruralpreneurship: “Serving Rural Areas with Entrepreneurship”
LSBDC is hosting a series of workshops for business owners and aspiring business owners throughout the Capital Region. The topics covered during the workshops include: business plan writing, marketing strategies and government contracting. The next workshop is on September 27 at Iberville Parish Library.
LED and the City of Shreveport will host the 2018 Small Business Summit on September 28. The summit will focus on promoting business with state departments and local government agencies as well as other commercial industries. The event will help prepare small business owners for expanded market opportunities and allow them to network and engage with interested entities. Governor John Bel Edwards is scheduled to give the keynote address. This monthly blog series is intended to engage the small business community and enhance the region’s competitiveness by arming the small business community with information on regional resources and services and communicating important policy issues impacting job creation.
Brooke Hathaway
As Economic Research and Policy Analyst at BRAC, Brooke conducts research and performs data collection to support key policy focus areas, including workforce development, education, and others. She is responsible for tracking economic, legislative and market trends impacting the region.