Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC)

Not every funding opportunity is looking for an idea. Some are looking for a solution that’s ready to move.

Louisiana’s new Rural Tech Catalyst Fund is designed for companies with healthcare-related products or services that can be deployed in rural communities within the next 180 days. That could include telehealth, healthcare access solutions, medical logistics, chronic disease support, digital health tools, and more.

This is not targeted toward businesses in the idea stage. As LED’s Josh Fleig explained:
“We need companies that have a product or service that can be deployed in the next 180 days.”

The program could provide:
• Grants or investments starting at $250,000
• Funding for pilots, expansion, and implementation
• Opportunities for companies working in Louisiana’s rural healthcare space

If your company already has a working solution and is ready to scale, this may be worth exploring quickly. Applications are now open, and the state is working on an accelerated timeline.

Learn more about the fund and eligibility here: https://rtcf.la.io/

For innovative businesses operating in healthcare, technology, logistics, or service delivery — especially those focused on solving real rural challenges — this is one to watch.

Louisiana Economic Development U.S. Small Business Administration

This week, small business owners across Louisiana are building skills, asking questions, and investing in their next stage of growth. 💼

From understanding QuickBooks and financing to improving marketing, social media strategy, AI tools, and legal risk management, these trainings are designed to help business owners strengthen the day-to-day operations that support long-term success.

This week’s sessions include:
• Managing Your Business with QuickBooks
• Using Social Media with Purpose
• Starting and Financing Your Business
• AI for Marketing: Create Content that Attracts and Converts
• Business Legal Needs: Mitigating Liability to Third Parties

You don’t need a business degree to build a stronger business — just a willingness to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.

To see all training and register, click here: https://www2.lsbdc.org/events.aspx?layout=3



U.S. Small Business Administration Louisiana Economic Development

⏰Plan for the What-Ifs

Your website's down. Your booking system isn't responding. Your email won't send.

Technology makes running a small business easier—until it doesn't.

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way.

✔ Save your tech vendors' support numbers somewhere you can actually find them
✔ Keep a simple manual backup for your most critical processes
✔ Make sure customers always have another way to reach you

You don't have to be a tech expert to have a tech backup plan.

🌟Wednesday Win | Client Spotlight🌟

Meet April Takewell and Leighlah — the mother-daughter team behind Leighlah’s Lemonade Lounge, a growing women-owned mobile lemonade business serving communities across North Louisiana.

What started as a simple lemonade stand with a goal of funding a Disney World trip quickly turned into something much bigger. As customers embraced their refreshing drinks and joyful energy, the stand grew in popularity and opportunity. April soon invested in a mobile cart and began taking the steps to formally establish the business.

With guidance from LSBDC at the University of Louisiana Monroe, April received one-on-one support to start her LLC and navigate the early stages of business ownership.

Today, Leighlah’s Lemonade Lounge can be found at festivals and community events across the region, including the Louisiana Peach Festival, the Louisiana Chicken Festival, and Kiroli Park events. More than a business, it’s a story of growth, hard work, and a young entrepreneur learning what’s possible.

🗓️ Tip Tuesday | Video Marketing

Not on video yet? Your competitors probably are. 🎥

Here's the thing — you don't need a fancy camera, a big budget or a film crew. You just need to show up. Customers today want to see the real people behind the businesses they support, and video is the fastest way to build that connection.

Swipe through for 4 easy video ideas you can start with this week. ➡️

👉 Select a location to request a 1:1 consultation or learn more information about our services. https://louisianasbdc.org/Locations

This week’s trainings are all about working smarter, communicating better, and showing up where your customers already are.

From handling tough conversations to improving cash flow and using AI to create video content without ever being on camera, these sessions are built for real small business needs.

This week includes:
• Get on Video and Get it Everywhere - May 27, 1:00-2:00 PM
• Conflict Resolution – May 28, 9:00-11:00 AM
• Cash Flow Management 101 – May 28, 10:00 AM-11:30 PM
• Create Faceless Videos Your Customers Are Already Searching For – May 28, 1:00-2:00 PM
• Get on Video Without Getting on Camera – May 29, 1:00-2:00 PM

If you’ve been thinking about using video, improving your finances, or just getting more confident in daily business conversations, this is a good week to plug in.

👉 Register now and save your spot https://www2.lsbdc.org/Events.aspx?mode=1&area=Alexandria+%26+Central+Louisiana&zip=&miles=25¢er=18019&topicnum=0&format=2&days=90&sort=M&layout=0

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

To the small business owners continuing to serve their communities on this Memorial Day Monday—thank you for showing up, creating opportunity, and keeping local economies strong.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

⏰Plan for the What-Ifs

You don’t need a named storm for your business to be disrupted.

Sometimes it’s the everyday things, flooded streets, broken AC, supplier delays, that can slow you down or cost you sales.

The difference? Preparation.

Take just 15 minutes this month to think through a “what if” scenario. A small plan now can save you time, money, and stress later.

Prepared businesses don’t panic—they pivot.