Louisiana targets growth of rural small businesses

Twelve Louisiana companies are inaugural participants in a program targeting business growth in rural Louisiana. The LED Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative is a partnership between Louisiana Economic Development and the Edward Lowe Foundation, which was established in 1985 to leverage entrepreneurship as a strategy for economic growth and community development. 

“Our rural revitalization efforts will continue to lead to rural wins, and our LED programs will continue to create a rural renaissance in Louisiana moving forward.”

LED Secretary Don Pierson

The foundation’s entrepreneurship initiatives focus on second-stage companies, which are growth-oriented firms that have moved beyond the startup phase, but have not yet reached maturity. Its peer learning, leadership education and strategic information programs are geared to help these companies continue growing.

Participating firms are located in all eight regions of the state:

• 3D Media (Thibodaux) – augmented reality and virtual reality training
• BaumTech (Arabi) – ATM solutions provider
• Carmichael’s Honey (New Iberia) – honey producer
• Computer Sales and Services (Houma) – managed IT services
• Ingalls Information Security (Woodworth) – cybersecurity
• McGee Equipment Rental & Sales (Eunice) – equipment rental
• Ouachita Biomass (Lillie) – wood products
• Panola Pepper Corp. (Lake Providence) – food manufacturing
• Pelican Defense Technologies (Ruston) – nanotechnology and computer systems design
• Quality Engineering & Surveying (Port Vincent) – civil engineering and land surveying
• Streamline Industries (Jeanerette) – specialized machining and equipment maintenance
• Superior Woodwork and Trim (DeRidder) – custom commercial cabinet and countertop manufacturing

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