U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $500,000 to Support Tech-Based Entrepreneurs in Baton Rouge

This post originally appeared on the Nexus Louisiana blog.

Nexus Louisiana received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to spur tech-based entrepreneurial growth.

This EDA investment will allow Nexus Louisiana to increase planning, outreach, and training assistance to tech-based startups through its Ignition Accelerator and Venture Capital Assistance Program. The assistance will be provided in partnership with Louisiana State University’s Office of Innovation and Commercialization, the Innovation Catalyst, and Southern University and A&M College. This EDA investment will be matched with $125,000 in local funds.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities advance their business development and growth strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “Startup businesses are key components to enhancing economic recovery particularly during post disasters. This investment will help revive and nurture tech-based entrepreneurial programs and enable outreach to underserved communities and businesses.”

“The continued expansion of Louisiana’s technology sector is critical to our state’s long-term economic vibrancy and resilience,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “Supporting tech-based start-ups is one of our most effective tools for stimulating innovation and job growth in the private sector. We appreciate the EDA’s investment in our entrepreneurs, and its partnership with our higher ed institutions and HBCUs, which are key to sustaining the state’s tech talent pipeline.”

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