Sw Louisiana News

The City of Lake Charles and Hancock Whitney Bank are collaborating once again to host LC Launch Small Business Development Week from October 20-26, 2024.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the road for our small business owners has been particularly challenging in recent years,” said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. “The City of Lake Charles and a number of other agencies offer incredible resources to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and those who wish to grow an established business. LC Launch Small Business Development Week is a concerted effort aimed at providing educational programming to shed a brighter light on these resources.”

“It’s no secret that communities thrive when small businesses thrive, and Hancock Whitney is pleased to join like-minded partners in participation of LC Launch. Together with resource partners and our community, we can foster economic success that makes life better for the people who call this region home. Thank you to the City of Lake Charles and Mayor Hunter for your ongoing commitment to create a more vibrant Lake Charles economy. We look forward to this exciting initiative next month,” said Hancock Whitney Bank Market President James Richard.

The event series will begin on Sunday, October 20, with a Logo Design Workshop for Kids at Drew Park from 2-3:30 p.m., hosted by Acton Academy and the City of Lake Charles.

On Monday, October 21, there will be a Canva Design Workshop for Business Owners at the Lake Charles City Council Chambers from noon – 1 p.m., followed by The Convergence of Entrepreneurship and Innovation workshop at McNeese State University’s Burton Business Center from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., featuring Dr. John Noble. Later that evening, the LC Create – Content Creators Networking Event will take place at Historic City Hall from 5:30-7 p.m.

Tuesday, October 22, starts with a CEO Roundtable featuring Ricki Patel from noon-1 p.m. in the Lake Charles City Council Chambers. From 3-4 p.m., there will be a workshop titled Get your Local Business on Google Search and Maps at SEED Center's Willis Noland Room. The day concludes with Love Your City panel discussion at Central School Arts & Humanities Center from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., preceded by a social hour starting at 5:30 p.m.

On Wednesday, October 23, the Student Entrepreneur Academy will be held from 8 a.m.-noon in the Willis Noland Room at SEED Center. The day ends with Tech Night for Business Owners from 7-8:30 p.m. at T-Mobile Store on Derek Dr.

Thursday, October 24 features The Path to Funding workshop presented by Small Business Development Center and McNeese State University at SEED Center from 4 –5 p.m., followed by Gator Tank Business Pitch Competition at Lake Charles Event Center from 6-8 p.m.

LC Launch Small Business Development Week concludes on Friday, October 25 with Doing Business with Local Government and Affiliates workshop in the Lake Charles City Council Chambers from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

The week-long event is supported by America’s Small Business Development Center, SEED Center Business Incubator, Lake Charles Minority Business Chamber of Commerce, McNeese State University, T-Mobile and Acton Children’s Business Fair. All sessions are free to attend.

For more information or downloadable schedules visit www.cityoflakecharles.com/LCLaunch.