Published March 24, 2014
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at the University of Louisiana
Monroe, in partnership with Accion, will offer three free financial literacy workshops
geared toward those who are seeking help in securing loans for their businesses. Pre-registration
is required and there is no cost to attend.
All workshops will run from 1-3 p.m., and will be held at the Ouachita Parish Public
Library, located at 1800 Stubbs Avenue in Monroe. “How to Apply for a Business Loan,”
will be held on Tuesday, April 1, “Credit Repair for You and Your Business,” will
be held on Thursday, May 1, and “Presenting Your Business to Bankers,” will be held
on Monday June 2.
The workshop is intended for individuals who are having difficulty securing a loan,
need help applying for a loan, are unsure how to read or interpret their credit reports,
and who need the definition of credit scores and how to improve them.
The workshop will also help those who need to know what individuals can do if there
are errors in their credit information, or need advice on how to present their business
to bankers.
“Having access to capital and understanding business financials are key to running
a successful business,” said Virendra Chhikara, LSBDC Senior Business Consultant.
“This workshop will provide tips and resources that will help small businesses understand
and take control of their business finances.”
To register, visit lsbdc.org/ulm or call 318-342-1224.
In 2013, through its partnership with Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S.
Small Business Administration, the LSBDC served more than 13,000 small businesses
– creating 1,127 new jobs, 190 new businesses, $71 million in capital, and helping
generate $27 million in new state income tax revenue.
About Accion
Accion is a small business lender dedicated to providing financing and business education
to small businesses. They offer loans of up to $20,000 for start-up businesses and
$50,000 for established businesses. They also offer Credit Builder loans between $500
and $2500. Accion brings affordable microfinance solutions to small business owners
who need them.
About the LSBDC
Designated and funded as the state’s principal provider of small business assistance
by Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana Small Business Development Center
at ULM is the only statewide, nationally accredited program that provides business
consulting to entrepreneurs at no cost. Through a network of 10 centers, the LSBDC
provides high quality one-on-one consulting, training and information resources to
empower new and existing businesses.
LSBDC is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business
Administration, Louisiana Economic Development, and participating universities. All
SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations
for persons with disabilities and limited English proficiency (LEP) will be made if
requested at least two weeks in advance.
