Who can I run to when I need HELP?
Being a mompreneur is full of highs, lows and figuring out who is in your network to
offer support. I am not just talking about the usual things:
➻Who will watch the kids?
➻What is needed to do for clients?
➻Where to go to network and meet new clients?
➻What should you wear to the event?
➻How long will you have to stay up?
➻Did the family eat?
➻Did you eat?
➻Have you forgotten anything?
➻What or who did I forget?
I am talking about questions that have the ability to shape or reshape how the business
operates.
➻Where to go for assistance with certifications?
➻Who is offering workshops or classes about industry standards?
➻Who provides state or federal support?
➻Who would assist with licensing?
In every state, some organizations are responsible for providing technical assistance and
support to entrepreneurs. However, if you didn’t know these resources exist you are
more than likely missing opportunities that can positively impact your business. On my
search to find opportunities for myself and to expand my business I came across these
agencies and their services. I called or emailed to learn about the services, and
surprisingly they want to educate, reach and support as many people as possible.
These agencies or organizations offer a variety of services, training or workshops all
design to aid an entrepreneur throughout this process. In Louisiana, great people are
willing and ready to assist. So know you are not in this alone! The supportive
agencies/organizations that are available to you as a business owner regardless of
gender, race, ethnicity or how long you have been in business. A quick Google search
will suffice.
Whatever the nation needs, there is a government Agency to use.
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Mission on the website: The SBA was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.
What does this mean: They use federal funds available to assist with resolving small
business concerns in multiple ways.
Southern University Small Business Center
Mission on the website: Since 1986, the LSBDC at Southern University Baton Rouge
has been a public service unit of the College of Business at Southern University A&M
College. The purpose of the Center is to provide individual consulting services, training
programs/seminars, and information assistance to potential and existing small
businesses in the Greater Baton Rouge Region including Ascension, East Baton Rouge,
East Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana
parishes.
What does this mean: Offers workshops, training, programs or seminars in the
surrounding areas for small businesses.
Louisiana State University Small Business Center
Mission on the website: The Louisiana Small Business Development Center offers high-quality technical assistance to existing and start-up small businesses, and to small business entrepreneurs in Louisiana at no cost to the client.
What does this mean: Providing technical assistance to new or existing for free!
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Mission on the website: The Mission of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of
Louisiana (HCCL) is to foster the continued economic growth, development, and
promotion of Hispanic businesses and their associations in the State of Louisiana, and
to serve as the conduit between the Hispanic business community and the community at
large.
What does this mean: A resource agency that promotes and develop Hispanic
businesses.
Baton Rouge Area of Chamber
Mission on the website: BRAC’s mission is to lead economic development in the
nine-parish Baton Rouge Area. From assisting existing businesses and recruiting new
ones, to securing victories for critical public policy reforms, BRAC continues to be a
trusted advocate and change agent for the region’s business community. Our vision is
for the Baton Rouge Area to be one of the leading economies and premier business
locations in the country, growing and attracting talent with its unique culture, vibrant
communities and beautiful spaces.
What does this mean: This chamber actively advocates and supports small
businesses.
Baton Rouge Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce
Mission on the website: Provides leadership and advocacy to African American and
minority businesses through collaboration with strategic community partnerships,
entrepreneurship training, and educational workforce initiatives to fuel economic
development. BRMBCC's goals are to close the disconnect between minority businesses in
the capital area community & economic development agencies through education
advocacy empowerment and networking.
What does this mean: A resource agency for the African American community that
promotes and provides opportunities.
Who knew there are so many agencies willing to help me for free?
I know there a lot of options for you to review and each has a different way to support
you. You will also notice that most of the agencies collaborate Also, they all may offer a
free workshop or training that will be a benefit to your business. It is okay to take time
to “work ON the business as much as you are working IN your business.”
Making the time to learn how to create a greater sense of “work/life” balance is
essential, but my question is alway… “ What exactly is work/life balance when I am the
business?” How do I create this balance when the success or failure of my business is
solely my responsibility? Where can I go to learn about opportunities and resources?
When you dedicate time to build your business and utilize state or federal funding: you
are tapping into a more significant network and pushing your business with a whole
different force. You do not have to “Do It All” yourself! Tap into the resources, attend a
free workshop and learn how that agency or organization wants to help your business.
“I’m hungry for knowledge. The whole thing is to learn every
day, to get brighter and brighter. That’s what this world is
about.” – Jay-Z
