Time running out for SWLA small businesses to apply for $3,000 grant

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – What could you do with $3,000? There’s an opportunity for small businesses to get a grant for that amount.

Running a small business is harder than it may seem, even for someone like Catherine Parrino, the owner of Crave Gourmet Baskets and Gifts in Lake Charles.

“I’ve got an MBA, and I still did not know what it entailed. So, it’s not a feat for the weary,” Parrino said.

Crave meets the qualifications for small business grants available through a partnership between the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and Optimum. Parrino says she’d use the $3,000 to expand her business online.

“We would put that money toward creating an online store and a subscription service and expand our brick-and-mortar store via the internet, which most people have already done. We’re just a little behind the times and that $3,000 would go a long way in helping us create that online presence,” Parrino said.

“You could create your own gift baskets, or you could order a subscription service, three months, six months, or nine months of olive oil and balsamic. I really think it would create a sustainable model, whereas a brick-and-mortar store these days, it’s very hard to do,” Parrino said.

To be chosen, you must have a brick-and-mortar business in the Optimum service area and be in business for at least two years with 10 or fewer employees.

George Swift, Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance President and CEO, says the idea is to lift small businesses and he encourages people to apply.

“We encourage people to use it to upgrade their technology in their business or something that will help modernize their business,” Swift said. “They may want to upgrade, buy a computer or upgrade their internet service or they may want to get a new sign for the business or something that would help the business get more exposure and recognition, maybe something in technology.”

The last day to apply is this Friday, August 16. Swift says the grants will be awarded in September.

Copyright 2024 KPLC. All rights reserved.