Start, Grow, and Stabilize Your Business in District 3

Start with local parish resources

Business resources to help start, stabilize, or grow your business in the great state of Louisiana.

Micro Businesses
shallow focus photo of thank you for shopping signage
shallow focus photo of thank you for shopping signage

Business Resources

Micro Businesses are the vibrant heartbeat of St. Charles Parish, weaving a rich tapestry of community, innovation, and resilience into the fabric of our local economy. These small-scale enterprises, often family-owned and deeply rooted in our district's values, not only provide personalized services and unique products but also foster a sense of belonging and interconnectedness among residents. Their contribution goes beyond economic impact; they embody the entrepreneurial spirit, create local employment opportunities, and contribute to the diverse character of our community. By supporting micro businesses, we champion sustainability, nurture local talent, and reinforce the foundation of a thriving, inclusive St. Charles Parish.

Lending Resources

The LouisianaSSBCI.com portal offers a deep dive into the program, listing providers and outlining the eligibility and application specifics for its five key components:

  • Collateral Support: Offers up to $250,000 in pledged cash to back small business loans as high as $1 million.

  • Loan Guaranty: Provides guarantees for loans reaching $1.5 million, enhancing borrowing capacity by mitigating lender risk.

  • Micro Lending: Delivers loans up to $100,000 to meet smaller financing requisites.

  • Seed Capital: Allocates capital for nascent or burgeoning businesses, ensuring investor engagement.

  • Venture Capital: Invests in small businesses, securing investor participation.

While LED does not directly fund businesses, it plays a pivotal role in connecting entrepreneurs with financial institutions and the U.S. Treasury. Interested businesses should reach out to participating entities listed on LouisianaSSBCI.com or contact their regional Small Business Development Center.

Take the steps to grow your business

The Louisiana Department of Economic Development sponsors events both live and online in St Charles Parish for small businesses.

a group of people in a room with a projector screen
a group of people in a room with a projector screen

LED’s Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Program provides the managerial and technical assistance training needed to grow and sustain a small business.

Louisiana supports small businesses to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity. The state’s support strategy includes grants, loans, tax incentives, and specialized programming for small business owners that give them a competitive edge.

man operating laptop on top of table
man operating laptop on top of table
man in white dress shirt sitting beside woman in black long sleeve shirt
man in white dress shirt sitting beside woman in black long sleeve shirt