The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at ULM will participate in a small business workshop and holiday networking reception Monday, Dec. 10, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Monroe Civic Center, hosted by Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana Small Business Entrepreneurship Commission and the City of Monroe.

The LSBDC will promote their services, including continuing education, consulting, technical assistance and the Small and Emerging Business Development program it manages in northeast Louisiana.

This is a free event, open to the public, intended to build awareness and exposure to the many business opportunities in the Monroe area and in Louisiana.

LED small business advisors will highlight new and existing state-funded programs designed to help Louisiana entrepreneurs and small business owners launch and expand their businesses. The advisors, members of the Louisiana Small Business Entrepreneurship Commission, small business assistance providers and area legislators will be available for questions.

The state assistance programs to be presented are:

• Microenterprise Development
  
• Small and Emerging Business Development
  
• Bonding Assistance Program
  
• Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute
  
• Small Entrepreneurship/Hudson Initiative Program
  
• Mentor-protege Tax Credit Program
  
• Angel Investor Tax Credit Program

Entrepreneurs, small business owners, CPAs, lawyers, and bankers are encouraged to attend.

For more information about LED small business programs or the event, contact Carolyn West at (225) 342-0205, westc@la.gov or John Matthews at (225) 342-1181, jmatthew@la.gov.