Blog

Opportunity Machine is partnering with local subject matter experts to bring small business owners and startup founders a new video series titled ‘Click to STARTup.’ These experts will answer entrepreneurs’ most frequently asked questions via quick and easy how-to videos. “The demand for business education content offered through virtual channels has skyrocketed over the lastRead more

Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Monday, April 27 that he is extending his stay-at-home order through May 15, saying some regions of Louisiana haven’t shown enough progress in fighting the coronavirus outbreak to lessen widespread restrictions on businesses and public gatherings. But if the state’s rate of infections continues to decline, Governor Edwards said heRead more

The Small Business Administration’s $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has officially run out of funds. In an SBA PPP report published on Monday, April 13, over 17,000 applications and $3.75 Billion had been approved through the forgivable loan program. The notification on the SBA’s website, states the “SBA is currently unable to accept newRead more

Over one-fifth of Americans are directly employed in retail and hospitality, including stores, bars and restaurants, tourism, and entertainment. That’s more than 32 million people working in an industry that’s currently being shaped by widespread closures and layoffs. Our small businesses need us now more than ever. Remember when they sponsored your child’s recreation team?Read more

**Updated March 30, 2020** Please note that as our nation and state take the necessary steps to address COVID-19 in Louisiana, the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce will do the same. All scheduled meetings are on hold, and our staff will be working remotely as much as possible as we all work together to prevent theRead more

Please note that as our nation and state take the necessary steps to address COVID-19 in Louisiana, the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce will do the same. All scheduled meetings are on hold, and our staff will be working remotely as much as possible as we all work together to prevent the spread of the virus.Read more

Social distance and self-imposed quarantines are good for community health during the coronavirus and COVID-19 outbreak, but it’s toxic for small businesses. Local businesses are getting creative — necessity being the mother of invention — and continuing to serve local residents in new ways. Small businesses are the backbone of our parish and will beRead more

The Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce our annual Holiday Business After Hours, which is set for Wednesday, December 11th from 5:00-7:00 p.m, at The Grand Opera House of the South.  Hosts for the holiday event are Rice Palace; Dugas, Soileau & Breaux CPA Firm; Evangeline Bank & Trust Co; Le GrandRead more

The Leadership EXCEL Advisory Board is pleased to announce the conclusion of their 2019 year.  The 25th Graduating Leadership EXCEL Class met at Crowley City Hall on Wednesday, November 6 for a reception and graduation ceremony.     The evening began with an informal reception prior to the graduation where graduates, sponsors, and families of the graduatesRead more

Trade program helps Louisiana small businesses with export development BATON ROUGE, La. — The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded Louisiana $200,000 for grants to small businesses seeking to market goods and services to foreign customers. Grants in the State Trade Expansion Program, or STEP, are designed to help small businesses gain the information andRead more