Women's Business Resources in Louisiana
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
Starting a business can be challenging, but you don't have to go through it alone. There are a number of local resources in Louisiana dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs start and succeed in business. We researched and vetted entrepreneurial resources available in your area and compiled our recommended list. Continue reading to discover the right one for you.
You can also read our guide on how to start a business in Louisiana.
Resources in Your Area
WomensNet - Louisiana
About:
WomensNet offers women business owners opportunities through their Amber Grant For Women program. They also offer excellent advice on how to search for and apply for any other available grants.
Who it's right for:
Women looking to propel their businesses forward will be smart to apply for WomensNet’s Amber Grant. Whether starting out or already established, this economic stimulus may be a critical piece of a business’s puzzle.
Location:
300 State Street, Suite 405
Rochester , NY 14614
Contact Information:
504Ward New Orleans Calling
About:
Focusing on strengthening the small business and entrepreneurial interests of Louisiana, the 504Ward organization looks to recognize both established and burgeoning small businesses. Building a diverse community helps to strengthen everyone involved.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs throughout Louisiana looking to connect or collaborate with other small business owners and entrepreneurs will find this organization useful.
Location:
935 Gravier St. Suite 2020
New Orleans, LA 70112
Contact Information:
(504) 934-4571
Lift Fund
About:
Lift Fund offers microloans to deserving applicants as a way to support the economic growth of the small business market. A non-profit organization based in Texas, Lift Fund can counsel and advise business owners on how best to use finances and build their businesses.
Who it's right for:
Small business owners throughout the Southern U.S. look to Lift Fund for advice and financial support. Visit the website to see what Lift Fund can do.
Location:
Headquarters - 2007 W. Martin Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
Contact Information:
(888) 215-2373
LSU Innovation Park
About:
LSU’s Innovation Park seeks to marry cutting-edge technology with savvy business acumen. Great ideas flourish with a strong foundation for overall success by thinking about technological advancements with an eye on future industry trends.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators are welcomed to the table. Work with some of the brightest minds in the country to help grow commerce and industry.
Location:
8000 Innovation Park Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70820
Contact Information:
(225) 578-7555
National Association of Women Business Owners
About:
NAWBO enables women in business to excel by offering various business-building opportunities. Their mission is as strong as ever; they look to equip women with the camaraderie, education, and support necessary to build strong business relationships and foundations for growth.
Who it's right for:
This organization caters to professional women from many different backgrounds, all aligned in their drive to improve their business options. Connect with these professionals to create lasting bonds and business connections.
Location:
601 Pennsylvania Ave NW, South Building, Ste 900
Washington D.C., DC 20004
Contact Information:
(800) 556-2926
Baton Rouge Area Chamber
About:
Promoting strong economic policies for Baton Rouge is one of the main goals of the chamber. In particular, small businesses are encouraged and represent a bellwether for the region, based on their successes or failures.
Who it's right for:
Small businesses or entrepreneurs in Baton Rouge, the area chamber is interested to meet you. Let your business shine for Baton Rouge with the help of BRAC.
LSU AgCenter Food Incubator
About:
The AgCenter Food Incubator is designed to develop and test new food ventures. By carefully planning and studying the potential for certain foods and food-related services, businesses can make smarter decisions.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs within food and food services can gain valuable insight into future trends and public desires. Businesses related to food service, hospitality, or restaurateur training may find this program of great benefit to them.
Location:
101 Efferson Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Contact Information:
(225) 578-4161
Nexus LA Accelerating the Business of Innovation
About:
Nexus LA is a valuable resource for small businesses, both new and established. With hundreds of referenced small business resources, Nexus LA is able to connect business owners with the services and advice they need.
Who it's right for:
Innovative businesses throughout Louisiana will most likely be able to find services and support for their specific needs, no matter the industry. Browse the references on the website to see available services.
Innovation Catalyst
About:
Securing funds to support a great idea can be one of the toughest parts of the entire entrepreneurial process. Innovation Catalyst understands this difficulty and looks to offer financial assistance for all types of entrepreneurs.
Who it's right for:
Entrepreneurs with potentially profitable or useful ideas will be well-served to connect with Innovation Catalyst. Their track record of success speaks for itself.
Location:
7117 Florida Boulevard, Suite 202
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Contact Information:
(844) 225 - 4332
Louisiana Technology Park
About:
Driving economic growth through technological innovation is at the heart of Technology Park’s mission. By supporting growing tech businesses and innovators, entrepreneurs are able to gain traction and advice on their ideas from a wealth of knowledgeable sources.
Who it's right for:
If you are an inventor, a small tech business owner, or just looking to stay up to date with innovative ideas, Louisiana Technology Park is an invaluable resource. Connect online through blogs, Twitter, or sign up for their newsletter.
Location:
7117 Florida Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Contact Information:
(225) 218-1100
East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library - Small Business Services
About:
Libraries are often an overlooked source of information in regard to business. At the East Baton Rouge Parish Public Library, you can meet and talk with a business librarian about a wide range of topics. From marketing to office space occupancy, the library offers a wealth of business information.
Who it's right for:
Small business owners will be able to customize their searches for available materials and references regarding business topics. The library serves as an excellent source of information beyond just business, too.
Location:
7711 Goodwood Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Contact Information:
(225) 231-3750
Research Park Corporation
About:
This conglomerate of business, technology, and industry — designed via the Louisiana legislature — serves to build and support the economic strata of Louisiana. As the parent of Technology Park, Innovation Catalyst, and Nexus LA, serving the business and technology communities in Louisiana is of paramount interest.
Who it's right for:
All small to medium businesses are encouraged to engage with this corporation in order to create more opportunities for innovation and growth. With so many interconnected business and technology entities, there is a lot of room for parity and collaboration.
Location:
7117 Florida Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Contact Information:
(225) 218-0001
Urban League of Louisiana
About:
As an extension of the Urban League, the Women’s Business Resource Center offers women entrepreneurs the tools they need to achieve success. Connect with other business professionals or look through the available resources and upcoming events to see how to get involved.
Who it's right for:
Women business owners will benefit the most from this group, especially those planning to develop their small businesses through education and real-world planning resources that are necessary to form a strong financial foundation.
Location:
Main Office - 4640 S. Carrollton Ave. STE 210
New Orleans, LA 70119
Contact Information:
(504) 620-2332
Small Business Development Center
About:
Louisiana’s Small Business Development Center helps new and existing businesses with financial needs, training and continuing education, and interaction with peers and business professionals. Connecting with a mentor will also allow for specialized, one-on-one training and discussions.
Who it's right for:
Whether an established business, or just starting out, the SBDC is here to help. Business owners can ask specific questions, connect with like-minded peers, or learn effective application tips for grants and loans.
Location:
700 University Avenue, Admin 2-101
Monroe, LA 71209
Contact Information:
(866) 782-4159
Women’s Business Enterprise Council South - Louisiana
About:
Promoting women in business is the Women’s Business Enterprise Council’s mission. By supporting women in business for nearly 25 years, strong connections have been made and great success has been achieved.
Who it's right for:
Women entrepreneurs are the main focus for WBEC. The council makes a point of connecting women business owners with corporate entities, as a method for supporting small business owners in their quests for success.
Location:
2800 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Suite 180
Metairie, LA 70002
Contact Information:
(504) 830-0149
Louisiana Federation of Business & Professional Women
About:
The Louisiana Federation of Business & Professional Women looks at the success of one woman entrepreneur as the success of all. Helping working women in a myriad of professional and personal ways also helps to strengthen the overall economic ecosystem.
Who it's right for:
Women in small businesses can benefit from programs and seminars, a well as connectivity with local and state business organizations. Get connected and develop a professional network with the help of the federation.
SCORE - Northwest Louisiana
About:
All businesses can use some advice, from time to time. SCORE allows for mentor relations to evolve, adding value to the mentor and apprentice. Participants can ask specific, detailed questions, or discuss abstract future business directions.
Who it's right for:
Business professionals looking for more specific information and a mentor to assist their business journey will appreciate the information SCORE can offer.
SCORE - Southwest Louisiana
About:
Gain invaluable advice, research and secure business grants and loans, and answer specific questions by searching SCORE’s resource library. Visit the website to explore all that is offered, including business model templates and other entrepreneurial tools.
Who it's right for:
Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry experts can give and receive from SCORE. Use the vast network of resources to empower business acumen, or partner with and donate time and money to help others succeed.
Location:
1011 Lake Shore Drive, FL 7
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Contact Information:
(337) 433-3632 Ext 217
SCORE - Louisiana
About:
SCORE wants businesses to succeed. By connecting young entrepreneurs with active or retired business experts in mentor roles, the apprentices gain invaluable information to help jump-start their business careers.
Who it's right for:
Professional women and men can connect with experts and peers in and around their industries, in order to build their businesses and professional networks. They also utilize the numerous resources available through this dynamic group.
Location:
7117 Florida Blvd. Louisiana Technology Park, Suite 313
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Contact Information:
(225) 381-7130
Junior League of New Orleans
About:
The Junior League of New Orleans wants to promote and recognize women entrepreneurs throughout this thriving city. Homegrown business successes are good for the city and the country. Supporting business interests, therefore, is at the heart of a successful business community and, ultimately, society as a whole.
Who it's right for:
Women business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to tap into the resources of the Junior League. Scholarships, grants, and fellowship opportunities highlight the various methods in which the Junior League looks to grow local talent.
Location:
4319 Carondelet Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
Contact Information:
(504) 891-5845
