Future Developments
Business Innovation Centers - LA LAUNCH CENTERS
Regional Center across Louisiana
Lake Charles, Monroe, Alexandria (2026)
Currently Present
LA Launch – Lake Charles
In Jan 2024, LCCF plans to break ground on the development site for the future home of The LA Launch Center – Lake Charles. Economic development is vital to the sustainability of our communities. This project will be a catalyst for small business establishment and growth in the Lake Charles region. The LLC – Lake Charles will be designed to offer an incubator program, co-working space, private offices, drop-in desk availability, conference rooms, event space within its business innovation center (BIC). The technical assistance and incubator services will serve various industries including manufacturing, professional services, technology, agriculture, environmental, and construction. Our programs will focus on identifying, supporting and helping to build the capacity of our local business community.
Flexible Workstations
Shared workspace with various seating options, including open desks, dedicated desks, and private offices, allowing members to choose a setup that suits their needs and preferences.
High-Speed Internet
Robust and reliable internet connectivity ensuring that members can work efficiently and without interruption.
Meeting Rooms
Meeting rooms equipped with audiovisual equipment, whiteboards, and conferencing tools. These rooms are available for members to hold client meetings, team discussions, or presentations.
Community Areas
Common areas to foster interaction and collaboration among members. They will include lounge areas, kitchenettes, and shared dining spaces where members can relax, socialize, and exchange ideas.
Events and Workshops
Access to organized events, workshops, and networking opportunities to help members learn, grow, and connect with like-minded professionals. These events can range from panel discussions to skill-building workshops.
Business Support Services
Access to essential business services, such as printing, scanning, and photocopying. Some may offer mail handling and administrative assistance.
Amenities
To enhance the work experience, shared office incubators may include amenities like coffee and refreshment bars, fitness facilities, and even relaxation areas with games and entertainment options.
Flexibility
Memberships are typically available on flexible terms, including month-to-month or longer commitments. This flexibility allows businesses to scale up or down as needed without the burden of long-term leases.
Diverse Community
Co-working spaces attract a diverse community of professionals from various industries and backgrounds. This diversity can lead to cross-pollination of ideas and potential collaboration opportunities.
Security
Secure access control systems, surveillance cameras, and lockers or storage options for members.
Cost-Effective
Sharing resources and overhead costs makes co-working more cost-effective than traditional office leases, making it an attractive option for startups and small businesses.
(CBIG) Center for Business Innovation and Growth - New Orleans - coming 2026
The Center for Business Innovation & Growth (C-BIG) recognizes the global challenges presented by brownfield sites—once industrially productive spaces now abandoned or underutilized due to contamination concerns. Departing from traditional redevelopment methods that often involve complete demolition and new construction, C-BIG champions adaptive reuse as an alternative, sustainable solution. This approach involves repurposing existing structures, integrating eco-friendly elements to rejuvenate brownfields into greenfields that meet the demands of contemporary urban environments.
Sustainable Urban Regeneration
Brownfields, characterized by abandonment and environmental contamination, pose unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable urban regeneration. C-BIG’s adaptive reuse strategy offers a holistic and environmentally responsible approach to repurpose these sites, fostering their transformation into vibrant, green, and community-centric spaces.
Commercial Office Building Transformation
In December 2022, the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce gained full ownership of the building located at 6767 Bundy Dr. in New Orleans East, marking the inception of C-BIG. The vision for this commercial office building is a pioneering inclusive mixed-use development, encompassing commercial spaces, housing, fresh food options, education, training, technical assistance, and wellness facilities. Aligned with the Eastern New Orleans Renaissance Corridor Sub-District, the project adheres to the CPC overview, ensuring a harmonious blend of design and development within the local context.
Empowering Businesses
C-BIG operates under the umbrella of the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation (LCCF), established in 2018 to drive economic growth by empowering and sustaining the business community. C-BIG actively engages public and private sector partners, providing businesses with access to procurement opportunities, building a robust network of various chambers of commerce, offering technical assistance to enhance capacity, and advocating for the growth and development of minority businesses. As a statewide economic development organization, C-BIG, through LCCF, is dedicated to establishing, developing, growing, expanding, and sustaining locally owned businesses across Louisiana.
Project Overview
Southeast Louisiana AgriAquaculture Small Business Technical Assistance and Workforce Training Center
The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation (LCCF) is embarking on the development of a transformative initiative known as the Southeast Louisiana AgriAquaculture Small Business Technical Assistance and Workforce Training Center (the Center). This endeavor aims to foster job creation, enhance economic resilience, and provide targeted support to small businesses in the Agriculture and Aquaculture sectors.
The Center will function as a business incubator, offering high-quality technical support, training opportunities, and a collaborative network for entrepreneurs in the AgriAquaculture industry. Additionally, it will extend workforce training services to underemployed, unemployed, hard-to-employ, and returning residents, focusing on preparing participants for employment opportunities within the agriculture and aquaculture sectors.
Small Business Technical Assistance
A) Business Selection Criteria
The Business Development and Training Center will enroll companies operating in agriculture or aquaculture, with a preference for BIPOC-owned businesses serving rural Southeast Louisiana communities. Eligibility criteria will be regularly revisited and may include factors such as the strength of the business idea, go-to-market strategy, growth potential, competitive viability, and founder experience.
B) Business Assistance Policy
The Center aims to serve a minimum of 30 participating small businesses annually through its Business Innovation Program. Services provided include financial training, marketing support, business strategy development, assistance with accessing new markets, and guidance on securing capital.
- Financial Training: Covers business products acquisitions, accounting services, financial software, and hiring external bookkeepers if necessary.
- Marketing: Involves assistance with brand guide development, website creation, and comprehensive
Marketing strategy development
All program participants engage with LCCF staff or consultants monthly through individual coaching sessions and group training sessions on various topics like human resources, accounting, or e-commerce.
- Business Strategy: Encompasses the creation of a three-year business plan, including market analysis, staffing plans, and financial projections.
- Market Access Assistance: Focuses on diversifying market access, addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food marketing.
- Access to Capital: Participants receive financial education to identify, match, and secure alternative sources of financing, with LCCF aiding in securing funding according to participants' needs.
Incubator Performance Plan and Anticipated Results
Businesses receiving services from the Business Development and Training Center are expected to share economic impact data semi-annually. This data includes:
- Revenue and Net Income: Before, quarterly during, and after one year of receiving services.
- Number of Employees: After one year of receiving services.
- Direct and Indirect Jobs Created: After one year of receiving services.
- Total Gross Receipts: Before and after one year of receiving services.
How to apply
If you’re interested in having technical assistance training for your business, click the link and fill out in its entirety LCCF INTAKE. A team member will respond within three (3) business days to assess your needs. We welcome the opportunity to help you grow your business!
