Applications have opened for the 2024 Diversity in Entrepreneurship Initiative, a Louisiana Economic Development program targeting accelerated business growth for minority- and women-owned second-stage companies.
The initiative, a partnership with the Michigan-based Edward Lowe Foundation, aims to empower minority- and women-owned businesses by providing them with valuable resources to expand their businesses and support as they face hurdles.
Second-stage Louisiana companies with five to 99 employees and annual revenue of $600,000 to $50 million are eligible for consideration.
The program includes an intensive, three-day virtual retreat, three monthly roundtables and a customized strategic research engagement for participants.
Since its launch in 2021, more than 35 minority- and women-owned Louisiana businesses have graduated from the initiative.
“The opportunity to openly discuss and share experiences with peers was invaluable, especially because it provided a sense of community for business owners who often feel isolated,” says Maria Alfaro of Baton Rouge-based Alfaro Bros Concrete Construction, a 2023 graduate of the initiative.
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30 on LED’s website.
