If you’ve been running a business in St. Mary Parish for any length of time, you understand how many responsibilities come with the job.
From managing day-to-day operations and serving customers to trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance, business owners often find themselves pulled in many directions.
With so much on your plate, it’s easy to overlook the local resources and support programs that could help your business thrive.
The good news is that St. Mary Parish offers a wide range of valuable resources that many business owners may not be fully aware of. These programs can assist with problem-solving, funding opportunities, and long-term business development.
Our team has put together this guide to some of the most helpful resources available to St. Mary Parish business owners.
Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is dedicated to helping businesses across Louisiana, including St. Mary Parish, grow and succeed by offering a variety of valuable resources.
Through LED, businesses can gain access to various funding opportunities, tax incentives, and workforce development programs designed to support long-term growth and sustainability.
These initiatives aim to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall business environment in Louisiana, making it easier for companies to expand and thrive in the region.
The tax incentives they offer aren’t just for large corporations. Programs like the Enterprise Zone and Quality Jobs provide significant benefits for smaller operations that are creating jobs.
Their workforce development programs are another valuable resource. If your business is experiencing difficulty finding qualified workers, LED’s FastStart program can assist with customized employee recruitment and training. They work with businesses to develop training materials specific to each company’s specific needs.
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) is another valuable resource for entrepreneurs in St. Mary.
It plays a key role in helping local business owners thrive by offering no-cost one-on-one consulting, specialized business training, and expert advice on areas such as strategic planning, marketing, and business expansion.
Their business training workshops cover everything from entrepreneurship fundamentals to advanced marketing strategies.
For entrepreneurs starting new businesses or looking to grow existing ones, LSBDC offers essential support that simplifies the challenges of running a business.
St. Mary Economic Development
One valuable resource that’s often overlooked is right here in our own community – the St. Mary Economic Development team. We’re here to help businesses navigate the ins and outs of operating in our parish.
We have deep knowledge of St. Mary Parish. This local expertise is essential when making decisions about business locations, expansions, or understanding the local market.
Our business development services come at no cost to you. Our site selection services, for example, can save you time and effort by helping you identify the best locations for your business.
We also offer workforce assistance to help businesses connect with qualified employees and training resources. In addition, we provide valuable regulatory guidance, helping businesses navigate the process of obtaining permits and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Instead of spending hours figuring out what’s needed, we can quickly point you in the right direction.
Finally, our knowledge of incentives and tax credits is a key resource. There are a variety of programs at the local, state, and federal levels that businesses may be eligible for, and we can help identify these opportunities and guide you through the application process.
Read more: A Guide to Starting a Business in St. Mary Parish
Don’t Go It Alone
The bottom line is that running a small business comes with significant challenges, but these can be addressed with the right resources. There are numerous programs and services designed to support your success, and it’s important to be aware of them to take full advantage.
Utilizing available support systems can significantly improve business outcomes. The resources mentioned above represent just some of the many options available to St. Mary Parish business owners.
For more information about small business resources for businesses in Franklin, Berwick, Morgan City, and throughout St. Mary Parish, contact our office. We can point you in the right direction and connect you with resources tailored to your business’s needs.