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Recap: May Meeting Highlights: Funding Your Future!

Updated: Jul 1, 2024




Welcome to our May Meeting Recap: Funding Your Future!

Covering some amazing grant opportunities, local government support programs, and even alternative loan options. There were tips on where to find grants and how to apply, plus resources for local business support. It was packed with useful info to help turn our ideas into reality. Check out the details below!!


The Amber Grant for Women

Grant Amount: $10,000 monthly to women-owned businesses, with a chance to win an additional $25,000 at the end of the year.

Application Process:

  • Fill out a few questions about your business and why you need the grant funds.

  • Pay a $15 application fee.

  • Eligibility: Women-owned businesses, applicants over the age of 18.


Fundera Zach Grant (Gender neutral)

Grant Amount: $2,500 annually to one small business.

Application Process:

  • Upload a three-minute video about why you started your business.

  • Like and follow Fundera’s Facebook page.

  • Publish your video entry on YouTube.

  • Email your video to Fundera.

  • Share your video on social networks.

  • Eligibility: Creative, original, and high-quality video entries.


9 Business Grants for Women Entrepreneurs & 7 Places to Find More





Finding and Applying for Grants

Link to Database for Women in Louisiana seeking Grants

  • GrantWatch: A large database of available grants (membership starts at $18 monthly),

  • Resource: Compilation of local, state, and federal grants.

  • Service: Find a grant writer to help craft proposals.

More Information: GrantWatch


Gain Grant Writing Experience: Volunteer as a Review Panelist with SWLA Art Council

For more information, contact Ms. Erica Barrios at 337-439-2787 or email ericab@artscouncilswla.org


Easy to Use Funding Sites

Alternative Loan Options for Louisiana Businesses

  • Options: SBA Loans, microloans, and online business loans. Apply for SBA Loans: Visit NerdWallet for free applications with no credit penalty.


Considerations: Grants may take time; loans are a viable alternative for immediate funding needs.


Local Business Support: Additional Resources


1 SWLA Economic Development Alliance: Offers business training, start-up office space, plus. Contact: Dean Day, 337-475-5945, email: dday@louisianasbdc.org


2 Occupational Licenses, Small Business, or LLC Applications

Contact: Bonnie Olmsted, 337-491-1442 email: bolmsted@cityoflc.com


3 Support for Underprivileged Organizations

Contact: Earl Edwards, 337-491-1392, email: earl.edwards@cityoflc.us

More Information: City of Lake Charles


Whichever Grand or Loan you may be applying for: know where to focus.

  • Eligibility: Ensure your business meets the grant's criteria before applying.

  • Consultation: Work with a local SBDC representative or SCORE mentor for guidance.

  • Persistence: If you don’t secure a grant, explore other opportunities and try again.

  • More Information: Louisiana Small Business Grants: The Top Options

Monthly Golden Nugget: Local Programs

Louisiana Workforce Commission Location: 2424 3rd Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601

Programs:

  • Technical certifications (e.g., nursing)

  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Programs (WIOA):

  • Occupational skills training

  • Work experience/internships

  • On-the-job training (OJT)

  • Job placement


Direct Links:


Contact: Olivia Roberts, Business Services Representative at the Office of Workforce Development Phone: 337-721-4010 ext 5019 Email: ORoberts@lwc.la.gov


A big shout out to Creative Roots for their continual Support towards the #local #community #localcomminuty Home | Creative Roots (shopatcreativeroots.com)



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