Southeastern’s SBDC among best in U.S.
Friday, May 12, 2017
by: Rene Abadie
SOUTHEASTERN SBDC AMONG BEST – Southeastern’s Small Business Development Center was recognized as the best in Louisiana and the nation’s five-state Region VI. The award was presented at a recent event at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion and sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Pictured are, from left, Senior Business Consultant Wayne R. Ricks, Assistant Director and Training Coordinator Sandy Summers, U.S. Small Business Administrator District Director Michael Ricks, Director William Joubert, and Business Consultant Brandy M. Boudreaux.
HAMMOND - The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern was
recognized as the top U.S. Region VI SBDC for Excellence and Innovation.
The event, held recently at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion and hosted by Louisiana
Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Administration, recognizes the outstanding
contributions of business and business service organizations throughout the state
and beyond.
Southeastern’s group was named the top SBDC for Louisiana and for SBA’s Region
VI, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The honor
gains them the distinction as one of the top 10 Small Business Development Centers
in the nation based on four criteria: exceptional performance milestones, innovative
events and programs, strong advocates for small business, and staff/center development
and growth.
“Southeastern’s Small Business Development Center continues to excel, both in
Louisiana and nationally, setting exemplary standard for service to area businesses
and employers,” said President John L. Crain. “The SBDC is a valuable resource used
by hundreds of businesses in the area and contributes significantly to the economic
development of the state.”
Southeastern hosts one of about 1,000 SBDCs in the United States and one of nine
in Louisiana. The Southeastern SBDC, under the direction of William Joubert, serves
the five-parish region of Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington
parishes. Other staff members include Assistant Director and Training Coordinator
Sandy Summers, Senior Business Consultant Wayne R. Ricks and Business Consultant Brandy
M. Boudreaux.
In the past five years, the SBDC has assisted more than 3,500 clients, aided
in the development of more than 300 new businesses and expansions, helped businesses
create 1,776 new jobs and obtain more than $258 million in capital formation. More
than 10,000 people have attended business training events sponsored by the center.
In 2015 the Southeastern LSBDC received a 2015 National Excellence and Innovation
Award and received honors at the White House during National Small Business Week.
“Our success could not have been achieved without the strong cooperation we receive
from Don Pierson and the Louisiana Economic Development team as well as local economic
development agencies and chambers of commerce, as we work together to improve the
economic climate and opportunities for the region,” said Joubert.
Located in the Southeast Louisiana Business Center near the university campus,
the LSBDC works cooperatively with other elements in the center, including a business
incubator, the Business Research Center and several area economic development organizations.