Louisiana’s Small Businesses Reach New Heights
Twenty-five Louisiana small business owners were headliners at the 2023 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. You might not have seen them performing on stage, but some local entrepreneurs were in the spotlight. Their businesses ranged from generator repair, women’s health subscription boxes, a nursing academy, and many more. What did they all have in common on that stage? They each had a fierce drive to grow their business and an entrepreneurial dream. They also represented the first group from Louisiana to participate in the Shell LiveWIRE Acceleration program, offering free intensive training, mentorship networking, and financial guidance.
“The support I received regarding assistance, mentorship, and resources played a crucial role in helping me overcome obstacles, take advantage of opportunities and achieve milestones,” shared Craig Jacomine, founder and owner of Craig’s Electrical & Generator Service.
The 25 graduates of the first Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Accelerator program represent diverse industries such as construction, farming, health and beauty, restaurants, mental health, landscaping and more. Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana concentrates on support to help build and expand successful businesses across 13 parishes in south Louisiana by promoting entrepreneurship and meaningful employment. Applicants are accepted from Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, St.Charles, St.James, St.John the Baptist, St.Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes.Businesses do not have to be in the oil and gas industry to apply. The Shell LiveWIRE program supports businesses demonstrating attributes such as innovation, energy solutions, value chain integration and economic diversification. For the next three weeks, readers will get to learn about one business owner who graduated from the program per week.
“Shell LiveWIRE is a free business accelerator program to help entrepreneurs and small business owners sustain and grow,” explains Becky Cooper, US Social Investment Advisor. Cooper went on to say, “Shell LiveWIRE participants benefit from a six-week intensive training program, networking opportunities, and a range of resources. The Accelerator’s objective is to empower businesses from various fields and welcomes applicants from diverse sectors. A wide range of businesses can lead to a more vibrant and thriving community, offering residents a variety of goods and services. By extending the program to different sectors, you promote community development that fosters an environment that allows entrepreneurship to thrive.”
Participants in the program were selected by application and an interview by a panel of judges from Shell leaders, industry, and business representatives, who are experts in industry and market requirements. Once selected, the Louisiana participants benefitted from six virtual training sessions, access to business tools and subscriptions, one-on-one business consultants, mentorship, coaching, media and digital promotions, and networking events. The goal of the program is to provide the support and resources needed for growth and sustainability.
Shell LiveWIRE was launched in Scotland in 1982 to address youth unemployment. Today it operates in 20 countries strengthening local economies. Every year Shell LiveWIRE supports thousands of individuals to access the knowledge skills, networks, and resources to start and/or grow their business.
Applications for the 2024 Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana program will be accepted December 11, 2023 through January 31, 2024. Application forms and more information can be found on: www.shell.us/livewire