Microenterprise Development Program

Louisiana Economic Development (LED), in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Social Services, created the Microenterprise Development Program to provide self-employment training that gives entrepreneurs the competitive advantage they need to succeed.

Working with partners across the state, the program begins with a comprehensive assessment. Once complete, participants begin a two-to-three month business development course that includes entrepreneurship training, personal effectiveness, financial literacy and technical assistance. Part of the course also includes writing a business plan.

Upon successful completion of the program and application process, participants become eligible to apply for a $2,000 secured line of credit. (THIS IS NOT A GRANT!)  The funds can be used to cover or supplement start-up business costs.

MED IN LOUISIANA HELPS TO:

  • Provide an innovative path out of poverty
  • Create self-sufficiency
  • Improve the survival rate of microenterprise businesses
  • Improve employment skills
  • Promote economic development

YOU QUALIFY FOR THE MICROENTERPRISE PROGRAM IF:

  1. You are a parent or related caretaker of children who meet certain age requirements.
  2. You receive FITAP, KCSP payments, free/reduced school lunch, food stamps, Medicaid or LaChip.
  3. Your family income is no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

For more information on the Microenterprise Development Program call Renewal at 318-387-2999.  For more details on how the program works, please click here and download the Microenterprise Development Program (PDF)