PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Scale Up! Louisiana is a statewide, community-based, entrepreneurial education intensive hosted by Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. This program provides early stage, women- and minority-owned firms with the education and resources needed for scalability and profitability. In order to participate, entrepreneurs must commit to a business education program that is delivered online via Go To Training over 10 weeks. Participants must also commit to utilizing additional resources and services to support their business outside of the curriculum, including: individual and group counseling sessions, technical assistance, pre-recorded videos, business plan assignments, and engagement with an assigned business advisor.
The Urban League of Louisiana is working to increase access to entrepreneurship training in the communities that it serves – based on the challenges, opportunities, and small business development needs that are unique to selected communities across the state of Louisiana.
FAST FACTS:
WHO: Existing Small Business Owners in North Louisiana.
WHAT: A 10-week hybrid program focused on creating a scalable and profitable business.
BONUS: A business advisor for counseling, technical assistance, and other support services as needed.
COST: FREE!
Scale Up! Louisiana provides small business owners with:
- Entrepreneurship Education for Early Stage Businesses
- Localized Programming Within the Community
- One-on-One and Small Group Business Counseling
- Access to Mentors and Business Advisors Relevant to Specific Industry and Business Needs
- Connections to Resources to Support Growth
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
In order to participate, small businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Own and operate a business in North Louisiana (Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, Ruston, Grambling, and Surrounding Areas)
- Have at least $25,000 in documented revenue for the previous tax year (revenue review conducted case by case)
- Have been in business for at least 1 years
- Must have a desire to scale
- Must be willing to commit to the program schedule, curriculum, and support services
- Must have access to the internet and a computer with a camera at home
For questions regarding the eligibility criteria, please contact the Women’s Business Resource Center at wbrc@urbanleaguela.org.
SCALE UP! LOUISIANA – NORTH LOUISIANA – COHORT 7
The Urban League of Louisiana’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation will host the seventh cohort of Scale Up! Louisiana. This cohort is designated for small businesses in North Louisiana! Scale Up! Louisiana Cohort 7 is hosted in collaboration with the SBA Community Navigator Pilot Program and the National Urban League and sponsored by Wells Fargo, AARP Louisiana, and Mastercard.
Scale Up! Louisiana is a statewide entrepreneurial education intensive that provides early-stage entrepreneurs with the education and resources that are critical to creating a scalable and profitable business. This is a transition program that guides existing, early-stage small business owners towards becoming high-growth, sustainable ventures. This modular program will be delivered via:
•2, In-Person Class Sessions (Orientation and Final Session)
•8, 2.5-hour web class sessions, and
•5, 45-minute pre-recorded web sessions.
All in-person sessions will adhere to CDC, state, and city guidelines. Participants will receive one-on-one and small group counseling and other support services throughout the program.
Interested entrepreneurs must apply for the Scale Up! Louisiana program. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 5:00p.m. CST.
SERIES SCHEDULE – COHORT 7
| Date | Session | Time |
| Thursday, September 15 | Session 1 – Orientation + Meet the Entrepreneurs |
6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, September 22 | Session 2: Creating a Scalable Business Model | 6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, September 29 | Session 3: Innovative Growth and Scalability Strategies | 6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, October 6 | Session 4: Personal and Business Finances | 6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, October 13 | Session 5: Marketing for Growth | 6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, October 20 | Session 6: Winning and Keeping Customers | 6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, October 27 | Session 7: Pricing Strategy | 6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, November 3 | Session 8: How to Hire and Keep Good Employees | 6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, November 10 | Session 9: Becoming Bankable: Preparing to Access Capital | 6:00pm-8:30pm |
| Thursday, November 17 | Session 10: The Scale Up! Plan of Action |
6:00pm-8:30pm |
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