Twin Cities supporting small businesses for National Small Business Week

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Resources like the Monroe, West Monroe – West Ouachita, Northeast Louisiana Black Chambers and NELA-Manufacturing Alliance and Consortium are all nearby for National Small Business Week.

In 2023, the City of Monroe and Ouachita Parish leaders joined the Northeast Louisiana Economic Alliance after separating from the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis said usually, when we think of economic development organizations, it’s strictly about recruitment and expansion of larger companies. But he said it’s time to add small businesses to the conversation.

“Sometimes small businesses get left out of that discussion. Part of the discussion about opening this new organization would be to bring small businesses to the table; to be able to have special groups to be able to listen to them because they do help create the environment,” said Ellis.

Over in West Monroe, Keep West Monroe Beautiful (KWMB) launched its ‘Next Level Business Grants’ program. It’s offering two $250 grants and one $500 grant. According to KWMB, the grant is a reimbursable 1:1 matching grant, and all businesses must match grant funds received.

One of the past recipients, Honey Hole Tackle Shop, used their grant to paint the sidewalk in front of their store. President Stuart Hodnett of KWMB said businesses can update their facades.

“Or their landscaping – either they can plant new plants, they can paint. They can do a lot of things with new signages; anything else that will help improve the storefront,” said Hodnett.

The program helps businesses within the West Monroe city limits improve the appearance of their brick-and-mortar structures.

“Aesthetics are extremely important to let everybody know that you’re business you can approach. You can come in. Feel comfortable shopping within the city limits – and just to make the city look really nice and the community a lot nicer,” said Hodnett.

In a news release from KWMB, it stated Copies of the grant application are available at West Monroe City Hall and the West Monroe West-Ouachita Chamber of Commerce. A digital version of the application will soon be available at: www.kwmb.la/grants. Applications are due by Friday, May 10 at 5 p.m. and should be emailed to info@kwmb.la.

Other resources for small businesses in the region are:

Copyright 2024 KNOE. All rights reserved.