Pass the word.

The staff at the SWLA Economic Development Alliance/Chamber SWLA – Business Incubator is looking for new talent.

We want:

• People interested in starting a business, or in the early phases of their venture.
• People who are committed to their dream.
• People who have a business concept and willing to create a business plan if they do not have one.
• People who are coachable.
• People who will dedicate time to meetings to learn.
• People who will be hungry to grow their network.
• People who will dive into learning management, human resources, business law, marketing/public relations, and finance concepts.
• People who are comfortable, being uncomfortable!

     Yes, we are on the lookout for new Business Incubator program participants.

     Why do you want to be in the Business Incubator program (located at the SEED Center at 4310 Ryan St.)?

     First, understand that the Alliance/Chamber SWLA – Business Incubator is regarded as a startup incubator.

     “Startup incubators are unique organizations that function as a springboard for early-state businesses and startups with the goal of providing specialized tools needed for startups to grow and innovate,” according hubspot.com.

     “The resources and services they offer can vary, but often include access to office space, mentorship opportunities, business education classes, and community networking events.”

     So how do you start the process of applying for the Alliance/Chamber SWLA – Business Incubator program.

     First, call the SEED Center, and ask for an appointment to tour the Business Incubator.

     Second, visit www.seedcenterswla.com tapping “Apply” prompt which will take you to a page to download the application. Provide that application to the Business Incubator staff.

     Third, you might get selected for an assessment based on the information provided on the application.

     Fourth, if needed, you may be introduced to the Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University for preliminary business assistance.

     Fifth, if you are moving through the selection process, you will participate in an interview with a group of business leaders who will provide recommendations.

     Last, a final decision is made on your participation in the program.

     If selected, the decision is made if you need to be in the Business Incubator or have services provided off campus.

     We want potential program participants to understand, the Business Incubator is an educational facility, and people who think about being a part of the program want to know that business incubators reduce the risk of small business failures. Historically, International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) member incubators have reported that 87 percent of all firms that have graduated from their incubators are still in business.

     The Alliance/Chamber SWLA – Business Incubator is a InBIA member.

     Resources available to Business Incubator program members include:

• Internet
• Utilities
• Telephone equipment
• Building security
• Private parking
• Guest parking
• Copier/Printer
• Office furniture
• Start-up office space (depending on program participation)
• Conference room access
• Professional address

     Services provided in the program include:

• Mentoring/coaching
• Small Business Development Center at McNeese State
• SCORE
• Chamber SWLA membership (networking)
• Louisiana Economic Development programs
• Access to academic professionals at McNeese State

     If you want to enter the world of business ownership and innovation, now is the time to take the plunge and apply to be accepted into the Alliance/Chamber SWLA – Business Incubator program.

     Pass the word, we are looking for the area’s next business success story!

     For more information, contact Eric Cormier using the contacts below.

Eric Cormier is Senior Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Strategic Initiatives at the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance/Chamber SWLA – Business Incubator. He can be contacted at 337-433-3632 or ecormier@allianceswla.org.