The Quality of Life Task Force of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance is distributing bike racks in high cyclist areas in our region. The first round of bike racks was greatly delayed by Covid-19 and then the dual storms of 2020. The first three racks of ten are now out in the community with the remaining seven to be put out by the end of the year.

The SWLA Alliance’s “Pathway to Small Business Recovery” Grant Program (initially made possible by a $150,000 seed grant from the Sempra Energy Foundation) has been picked up for a second round of funding provided by the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana. During the first funding cycle, fifty local small businesses were awarded $3,000 each.

This year’s Chamber SWLA LegisGator was held virtually in partnership with KPLC TV.

On November 18, 2020, representatives from FEMA met with owners and managers of multifamily properties about two programs geared to house displaced residents. This event was facilitated by State Representative Phillip Tarver of District 36.

“Our local first responders are critical to our community, and they have always been among the first to serve and support our neighbors,” said Levar Greenhouse, regional director for AT&T Louisiana. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve them and recognize them for the tremendous work they do every day.”

As part of Entergy’s ongoing support to the SWLA Alliance Foundation, the company recently donated $122,500 on October 23, 2020. Their donation was from an economic development grant which will help address the critical issues facing our region: business recruitment, and business retention and expansion. 

The SWLA Economic Development Alliance and The Chamber SWLA announce the SWLA Alliance “Pathway to Small Business Recovery” Grant Program.

Made possible by a $150,000 seed grant from the Sempra Energy Foundation, the grant program will provide immediate cash assistance to struggling small businesses in Southwest Louisiana with less than 25 employees. The grant coverage area includes Calcasieu & Cameron Parishes.

Suddenlink has provided $25,000 to the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance to support the rebuilding of Southwest Louisiana through workforce development, business development and industry retention / expansion.