Louisiana Small Business Development Center at LSUA Hosts "Business Forward: A Day of Growth and Stregety in Natchitoches"

NATCHITOCHES, La. - The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at LSU Alexandria, in partnership with the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and Northwestern State University, will host Business Forward: A Day of Growth and Strategy on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Russell Hall in the Natchitoches Room on the Northwestern State University campus in Natchitoches.

The event will feature two no-cost training sessions designed to support both aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners, along with opportunities for attendees to meet one-on-one with LSBDC business consultants for confidential business counseling.

The morning session, "Turning Your Skills & Passions into Sustainable Business," will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. This session is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, veterans, creatives, tradesople, and anyone considering business ownership. Participants will learn how to transform their talents, expertise, and the ideas into a business capable of generating long-term success while gaining insight into the foundattional steps of starting and growing a business. 

Following the morning session, attendees are invited to take advantage of no-cost, one-on-one counseling with LSBDC counsultants from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tnrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to bring questions, discuss business challenges, explore growth opportunties, and learn more about the resources available through the LSBDC.

The afternoon session, "Marketing & Customer Experience Strategies that Drive Repeat Business," will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This workshop is designed for existing business owners looking to strengthen their brand, improve customer reterntion, and increase sales. Participants will discover practical strategies for attracting new customers, creating memorable customer experiences, building loyalty, and encouraging repeat business.

"Whether someone is considering starting their first business or looking to strengthen an existing one, Business Forward is designed to provide practical tools, guidance, and direct access to resourcecs that can help move a business forward," said Britni Lilley, Business Consultant with the LSBDC at LSUA. "Our goal is to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with actionable strategies they can immediately apply to support long-term success, and we are excited to partner NSU and the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce to bring this to local entrepreneurs." 

The event is offered at no cost, but registration is requested for each training session. Separate registration links are available for each workshop. Counseling sessions do not require advance registration but is recommended. 

To register for a training, visit louisianasbdc.org and search under Trainings and Workshops for:

• Turning Your Skills & Passions into Sustainable Businesses
• Marketing & Customer Experience Strategies that Drive Repeat Business

Walk-ins are welcome for one-on-one counseling sessions, but to secure a spot attendees may email or call the LSBDC at LSUA office at blilley@louisianasbdc.org and 318-427-0408.

The LSBDC at LSUA provides no-cost business consultations and training programs to help small businesses start, run, and grow. Through confidential advising, educational workshops, and access to business resources, the LSDBC helps entrepreneurs make informed decisions and build stronger businesses. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (318) 427-0408 or email blilley@louisianasbdc.org.

Persons requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the LSUA Office of Civil Rights Compliance & Access at least 72 hours before the event. For more information, visit Mulder Hall, Room 326, call (318) 473-6558, or email ccooper@lsua.edu.

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