BRF is a Shreveport-based organization that runs several initiatives designed to diversify and grow the region’s economy. One of those initiatives if the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program, which has just been awarded a two-year, $600,000 grand from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
The grant led BRF to create the North Louisiana Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (NorLEAP), expanding its services to 21 parishes in North Louisiana. This will be a $1.2 million expansion of the EAP’s services over the next 15 months.
The Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program helps create wealth for entrepreneurs by analyzing viable ideas and products, matching them with informed investors, and nurturing them toward rewarding markets.
“This investment will be a huge economic driver for Louisiana and our respective communities,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson. “One of the biggest challenges our businesses face is simply getting off the ground. NorLEAP will give them the assistance and guidance they need to prosper in today’s booming economy.”
NorLEAP will help entrepreneurs with marketing and sales strategy, financial analysis and modeling, business plans and product refinement, pitch decks, networking opportunities, and more.