ALEXANDRIA, La. (UrbanCast: 7/8/2026) — The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at LSU Alexandria and the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a full day of small business education, networking, and no-cost business counseling on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce, located at 1118 Third Street, Alexandria, LA 71301.
The event will feature two training sessions designed to support both aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners, along with opportunities for attendees to meet one-on-one with LSBDC business consultants.
LSBDC at LSUA is excited to welcome Heidi Melancon, Associate State Director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center; Lauren Titus, LSBDC Communications Specialist; and Britni Lilley, Business Consultant with the LSBDC at LSUA, who will facilitate the day’s programming.
Morning Workshop
From Idea to Open: Building a Business with a Strong Foundation
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
This training is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, and new business owners who want to learn how to:
- Validate a business idea
- Identify target customers
- Estimate startup costs
- Select an appropriate business structure
- Develop a roadmap for launching a successful business
Following the morning workshop, attendees are invited to take advantage of no-cost, one-on-one business counselingfrom 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
No registration is required for counseling sessions. Entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to stop in, ask questions, discuss business challenges, and learn more about the resources available through the LSBDC.
Afternoon Workshop
Scaling with Confidence
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This session is geared toward established business owners interested in:
- Strengthening their financial knowledge
- Improving business operations
- Preparing for financing opportunities
- Building systems that support sustainable growth
Registration Information
Registration is requested for each training session. Separate registration links are available for each workshop. Counseling sessions do not require advance registration.
To register, visit louisianasbdc.org and search under Trainings and Workshops, or use the links below:
From Idea to Open: Building a Business with a Strong Foundation
Additional Information
The LSBDC at LSUA provides no-cost business consultations and training programs to help small businesses start, run, and grow.
For more information or to schedule an appointment:
Phone: (318) 427-0408
Email: blilley@louisianasbdc.org
Persons requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the LSUA Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Access at least 72 hours before the event.
For more information, visit Mulder Hall, Room 326, call (318) 473-6558, or email ccooper@lsua.edu.
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