Shreveport Business Accelerator Expands Services to Northeast Louisiana

Published: Sep. 13, 2024 at 5:41 PM CDT|Updated: Sep. 13, 2024 at 6:39 PM CDT

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – A business organization out of Shreveport came to Monroe Friday (Sept. 13) afternoon to let local entrepreneurs know about resources they can use to grow their businesses.

The Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, also known as EAP, is now working with 21 parishes throughout north Louisiana to offer start-up services. Representatives from the accelerator introduced their program called NorLaunch to local entrepreneurs at Tower Place of Monroe for its ‘Launch Network Resource Partner Lunch.’

“NorLaunch is a three-year grant that allows us to expand our services—our business accelerator services to entrepreneurs who are underserved and in rural areas and through that program, we plan to host a series of industry-specific trainings, workshops, networking events, you name it,” said business analyst Tyra Kidd of EAP.

The accelerator received a federal grant of $2 million to help them assist entrepreneurs in underserved areas. They’ll provide start-up services, which include financial modeling, mentoring, funding strategies and pitch practices.

A Monroe incubator called Louisiana Catalyst is one of the 93 resource partners part of the accelerator’s Launch Network. EAP’s business analyst said although incubators provide services to startups, they’re different from accelerators.

“An incubator – they moreso work with forming the idea and getting it ready for an accelerator. With an accelerator, you come to us when you’re at the stage where you’re ready to launch and grow,” said Kidd.

If your new business is ready for growth, contact EAP.