Small businesses in Louisiana employ over 917,000 individuals, accounting for 53.2% of the private workforce. These businesses are crucial for community growth. However, many Louisiana communities face shrinking populations, deteriorating infrastructure, and waning entrepreneurship. Despite their importance, fewer than 35% of small businesses survive beyond ten years, often due to a lack of capital. Even when business owners do succeed, bringing revenue and jobs to their communities, only 30% manage to successfully exit through a sale or passing it on to the next generation. Consequently, 70% of businesses that last more than ten years will shut down due to insufficient community investment. By reversing these trends, we can secure job opportunities and foster community development.

Our board of advisors comprises experts from a diverse range of industries, including:

- Financial Services
- Building and Construction
- Real Estate
- Technology
- Beauty and Personal Care
- Retail and Wholesale
- Restaurants and Food Services
- Service Businesses

Collaborating with community and government leaders, along with small to medium-sized business owners, is crucial for a successful transition and the establishment of new businesses, which is key to reversing growth trends in our communities.

Transitions are more likely to succeed when businesses have access to capital and can avoid debt. We assess each business opportunity based on its potential to serve the community continuously, its capacity for growth, support for its employees and clients, and whether new leadership can emerge from within the local community.