LAFAYETTE, La. – Regional partners have launched a new digital platform to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with resources to help them start and grow their businesses.
Acadiana Business Hub (AcadianaBizHub.com) brings order to the search for information and resources that are the lifeblood of small business. Visitors to the site gain access to a searchable database of resource providers around the state offering a wide range of services from business planning, entrepreneurial training, and business counseling to sales and marketing, human resources, and more.
Launched through a partnership between One Acadiana, Lafayette Economic Development Authority, and Louisiana Economic Development, the platform features an events calendar containing information about conferences, webinars, and other events of interest to entrepreneurs at every stage of small business ownership. Louisiana Economic Development will manage the page, which is an offshoot of the statewide resource portal.
“LED is proud to partner with Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana to continue the expansion of its statewide Louisiana Business Hub network with Acadiana Business Hub,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “The addition of this valuable tool will assist the small businesses of Acadiana in accessing the resources that they need to sustain and grow their businesses and builds upon the strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Acadiana Region and the growing statewide network of support accessible through Louisiana Business Hub. LED, with the support and collaboration of our local and regional partners, strives to provide founders with the tools and resources their businesses need to reach their full potential.”
Small business resources in the Acadiana Region are currently being added to the Louisiana Business Hub database. Organizations can submit to be listed if they are a nonprofit, government, or educational organization that serves entrepreneurs and small- to medium-sized businesses in the region. Organizations that wish to be listed can visit https://louisianabizhub.com/join-the-network/.
Troy Wayman, President & CEO of One Acadiana shared: “Connecting small businesses owners to guidance, education, resources, and training is part of 1A’s mission to build a strong economic base, and this platform does just that. One Acadiana is proud to collaborate with our partners across the region and state bring small business owners the tools they need to be successful. Building on our Small & Minority Business Program, which is already available to business owners, the launch of this platform puts a new level of support for Acadiana’s entrepreneurs right at their fingertips. The best part is that the resources included in the Acadiana Business Hub are all available at no cost to the business.”
Said Mandi Mitchell, President & CEO of Lafayette Economic Development Authority: “The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in all of Acadiana, and in fact, small businesses are the backbone of our business base. In 2021, under a new strategic plan, LEDA expanded its small business development programming to meet the needs of small, micro, and minority businesses in Lafayette Parish. The launch of the Acadiana Business Hub will allow LEDA and our fellow economic and small business development leaders and partners throughout the region to more efficiently provide services to small business owners and entrepreneurs and to connect them with the resource providers and opportunities that will help establish and grow their businesses. We are deeply grateful to LED for their leadership and vision in investing in such a powerful tool that will further ignite our state and local entrepreneurial ecosystems.”
Quote from Local Acadiana Business Hub Partners:
Megan Duhon, President & CEO of Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce: “As a local chamber and economic development organization, it is critical that we provide our small business owners with the resources and tools necessary to succeed and grow. The Acadiana Business Hub will be a notable asset for aspiring small business owners as well as existing business in every stage of their life cycle. We are proud to partner with regional and state allies to bring this to the forefront of our business community, building upon our mission to promote a thriving business environment in Acadia Parish!”
Thomas Falgout, CEO of Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce: “Small businesses are a huge part of our local economy. Anything that will support small business is a plus. Acadiana Business Hub has the tools that small businesses need to succeed, grow, and prosper.”
Lynn Guillory, Executive Director, Vermilion Chamber of Commerce: As the executive director of a local parish chamber, partnering with other organizations to provide this collection of resources for small business owners has been invaluable. We would not be able to provide these resources on our own; now, small business owners in Vermilion Parish and across Acadiana can seek out the support they need in a central location.
About One Acadiana
One Acadiana is the leading economic development organization for the nine-parish Acadiana region located in south Louisiana. With more than 700 investors, members, and partners, One Acadiana serves as the voice of the regional business community. The organization is located in the city of Lafayette and serves a region of nearly 700,000 people with a vibrant culture and unique entrepreneurial spirit. Learn more at OneAcadiana.org.
About Lafayette Economic Development Authority
The Lafayette Economic Development Authority is committed to providing resources and assistance to businesses. LEDA’s mission is to catalyze job growth and capital investments that will lead to a strong and diversified economy, equitable access to economic opportunity, and an excellent quality of life in Lafayette Parish.