University of Louisiana at Lafayette educators and community business l
eaders are coordinating the Accelerate Acadia program to help spur entrepreneurial and economic development efforts in Acadia Parish.
UL Lafayette’s Louisiana Entrepreneurship and the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce will lead the 3-week initiative.
Accelerate Acadia is part of an 18-month initiative that LEED has coordinated to help bolster economic development in several regions of Acadiana, including rural areas.
The efforts are being augmented by $300,000 grant awarded to the LEED Center by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The center supports small businesses, entrepreneurs and economic development agencies across the state.
“Acadia Parish has a long history of entrepreneurship, and it is a privilege for the LEED Center and members of the B.I. Moody, III College of Business at UL to bring a program for small businesses to Mr. B.I.’s home parish. Accelerate Acadia is an opportunity for anyone dreaming of starting a business or anyone wishing to improve their current small business to engage in three sessions that are designed to help entrepreneurs grow. Working with Megan Duhon at the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce will help to build a program that is sustainable and one that lasts beyond the scope of this grant. Finally, entrepreneurship is about empowerment, and we look forward to collaborating with citizens and community leaders that are seeking to build economy, jobs, and momentum through the growth of new businesses.” – Dr. Geoffrey Stewart, LEED Center Director & Moody Company/BORSF Endowed Chair in Regional Business Development
Accelerate Acadia will include workshops that will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays, March 9th, 16th, and 23rd, and covers topics such as business planning, financial resources and support, and marketing. The events will be held at the Acadia Parish LSU AgCenter, 157 Cherokee Drive, Crowley, LA 70526.
Following the three-week kickstart program, participants will receive continued support from the LEED Center as well as local economic development entities such as Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce. The continued support for businesses is critical, particularly in the areas of management, finances, and marketing strategies.
“Innovation and entrepreneurs undeniably contribute to economic growth of a community. This hands-on approach that the LEED Center is offering is a wonderful opportunity for small business owners, start up’s and those just generally interested in entrepreneurial efforts. We are excited to partner with UL Lafayette’s LEED Center on this project in Acadia Parish!” – Megan M. Duhon, Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce President & CEO
Cost to attend ‘Accelerate Acadia’ is $450, although fee waivers of up to $425 are available to applicants with financial need. For more information, contact Jonathan Shirley at leedcenter@louisiana.edu
Learn more about registering or volunteering for Accelerate Acadia program.
