BOM Bank will be anchor tenant for the CoLab entrepreneurial hub
Posted 11-18-2025
NATCHITOCHES - BOM Bank will be the anchor tenant of The CoLab, a collaborative workspace within the Innovation Park being developed in partnership with Northwestern State University and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts. The CoLab will be designed to connect business and industry partners with students, entrepreneurs and community members, according to developers.
"The CoLab will serve as a dynamic center for entrepreneuriship, business development and collaboration," NSU President James Genovese said. "The space will offer flexible office rentals, coworking options and access to start-up resources, all within a supportive environment that fosters innovation and connection.
As the anchor tenant at The CoLab, BOM Bank will have an office and dedicated teller space in the facility, access to shared amenities, brand visibility and opportunities to collaborate on financial literacy initiatives, student internships and business development programs within the university community. BOM Bank's lease will be for five years starting Jan. 1, 2027.
"BOM Bank is proud to be the Official Bank of NSU and NSU Athletics. Joining forces with Northwestern State University, but also our commitment to its faculty, students, and the entire community. The CoLab represents innovation, collaboration, and opportunity - values that reflect both NSU and BOM Bank's shared vision for the future," said Ken Hale, president and CEO of BOM Bank.
"The CoLab represents the next step in building meaningful bridges between higher education and the business community - the perfect opportunity for students to engage with and learn about the banking industry firsthand." said Laurie Morrow, NSU's executive director of Economic Development and University Advancement. "It's more than an office space. It's a place where ideas take shape, partnerships form and future leaders are developed."
Key features of the CoLab include:
BOM Bank was established in 1903 in Montgomery, Louisiana, BOM Bank has grown from a local institution with $15,000 in capital to a community-focused bank with over $1.4 billion in assets. Serving more than 32,500 customers across 26 branches in Louisiana and Texas, BOM Bank offers a range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment opportunities through its subsidiary, BOM Financial Services. With a deep commitment to community engagement and employee development, BOM Bank continues to build on its legacy of trust and service.
The CoLab and the New Family Makerspace will make up the NSU/LSMSA Innovation Park, a 12-acre site fronting University Parkway. The Park will serve as the gateway to Natchitoches for travelers from I-49 marking the entrance to the revitalized Campus Edge District along University Parkway. The $18 million project is supported by a combination of federal, state and private funding.
BOM Bank has been a longtime partner of the university, serving as the university's official bank and the official bank of Athletics and numerous other campus initiatives.
For more information on the NSU's Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, visit https://www.nsula.edu/about/executive-offices/office-of-economic-development-innovation-and-outreach/.
For information on the Innovation Park visit https://www.nsula.edu/about/executive-offices/office-of-economic-development-innovation-and-outreach/innovation-park/.
For more information on BOM Bank, visit www.bofm.com or follow on social media @bomest1903. BOM Bank - a face you know, a bank you can trust.
"The CoLab will serve as a dynamic center for entrepreneuriship, business development and collaboration," NSU President James Genovese said. "The space will offer flexible office rentals, coworking options and access to start-up resources, all within a supportive environment that fosters innovation and connection.
As the anchor tenant at The CoLab, BOM Bank will have an office and dedicated teller space in the facility, access to shared amenities, brand visibility and opportunities to collaborate on financial literacy initiatives, student internships and business development programs within the university community. BOM Bank's lease will be for five years starting Jan. 1, 2027.
"BOM Bank is proud to be the Official Bank of NSU and NSU Athletics. Joining forces with Northwestern State University, but also our commitment to its faculty, students, and the entire community. The CoLab represents innovation, collaboration, and opportunity - values that reflect both NSU and BOM Bank's shared vision for the future," said Ken Hale, president and CEO of BOM Bank.
"The CoLab represents the next step in building meaningful bridges between higher education and the business community - the perfect opportunity for students to engage with and learn about the banking industry firsthand." said Laurie Morrow, NSU's executive director of Economic Development and University Advancement. "It's more than an office space. It's a place where ideas take shape, partnerships form and future leaders are developed."
Key features of the CoLab include:
- Collaborative Workspaces - Modern coworking areas designed for creativity and productivity.
- Private Office Rentals - Flexible office suites for entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses.
- Business Start-Up Resources - Access to mentoring, workshops and professional development opportunities.
- Student Engagement - Direct connections between businesses and Northwestern State students for internships, employment and project-based learning.
BOM Bank was established in 1903 in Montgomery, Louisiana, BOM Bank has grown from a local institution with $15,000 in capital to a community-focused bank with over $1.4 billion in assets. Serving more than 32,500 customers across 26 branches in Louisiana and Texas, BOM Bank offers a range of financial services, including banking, insurance, and investment opportunities through its subsidiary, BOM Financial Services. With a deep commitment to community engagement and employee development, BOM Bank continues to build on its legacy of trust and service.
The CoLab and the New Family Makerspace will make up the NSU/LSMSA Innovation Park, a 12-acre site fronting University Parkway. The Park will serve as the gateway to Natchitoches for travelers from I-49 marking the entrance to the revitalized Campus Edge District along University Parkway. The $18 million project is supported by a combination of federal, state and private funding.
BOM Bank has been a longtime partner of the university, serving as the university's official bank and the official bank of Athletics and numerous other campus initiatives.
For more information on the NSU's Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, visit https://www.nsula.edu/about/executive-offices/office-of-economic-development-innovation-and-outreach/.
For information on the Innovation Park visit https://www.nsula.edu/about/executive-offices/office-of-economic-development-innovation-and-outreach/innovation-park/.
For more information on BOM Bank, visit www.bofm.com or follow on social media @bomest1903. BOM Bank - a face you know, a bank you can trust.
###