Thirty grants of $3,000 available to local business

Special to the Beauregard News

Optimum Business and the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development are giving away 30 grants of $3,000 and want to share your business’s story and how you use technology to support your success and growth as well as expand on your ability to provide for your customers and community.

Additionally, the SWLA Economic Development Alliance will offer grant winners a basic membership to the Chamber SWLA, which includes access to programs and services to further ensure businesses in Southwest Louisiana have the resources they need to succeed.

“Optimum Business recognizes the vital role that small businesses play in the economic and social well-being of Southwest Louisiana, and we are proud to support them with the reliable and innovative connectivity solutions they need to evolve and thrive in a digital economy,” said Jesse Garcia, vice president of general manager of Mid Central at Optimum. “It’s critical that Optimum Business meets the needs of businesses across Louisiana, and we are thrilled to partner with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance to launch this grant program, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to helping small businesses access the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and prosper so that they can continue supporting their local communities.”

“Our region’s small businesses are critical for our economy and our communities, and we are grateful to Optimum Business for their support and partnership. Together with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, they are offering 30 businesses a unique opportunity to share their stories and learn how technology and innovation can help them grow and thrive,” said George Swift, President and CEO of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance. “We are proud to partner with Optimum Business to launch this program and invite eligible businesses across the five-parish of Southwest Louisiana from all sectors to apply to the L.L.B. Grants.”

How to Apply

To apply via the online portal, interested small businesses must meet the following requirements:

Have a brick-and-mortar location in Optimum’s service area

Have been open for a minimum of two years

Have 10 or fewer employees

Submit an application by Aug.16

Demonstrate through their application that the grant will both support the expansion and growth of their company and contribute positively to the community where they serve.

For more on the L.L.B. Grants, including submission requirements, official program rules, and how to submit, visit www.allianceswla.org/llbgrants