Published May 07, 2015
On the heels of National Small Business Week, the Louisiana Small Business Development
Center (LSBDC), hosted by University of Louisiana at Monroe, will kick off a week-long
celebration of small business and will introduce its new brand during an awards reception
from 10-11 a.m., on Monday, May 11, in Stubbs Hall, Room 117, on the ULM campus.
The center’s new look mirrors the national SBDC brand—America’s SBDC Network, which
is comprised of 63 networks that manage nearly 1,000 SBDC locations in the United
States and its territories—and highlights connectivity to a nationwide effort toward
small business.
“This is a momentous occasion for the Louisiana SBDC and we are excited to present
our new look to the public,” said Rande Kessler, LSBDC state director. “Our new brand
serves as a visual representation of the strong connection that we have with our national
network of SBDCs across the country.”
This year marks the 35th anniversary of America’s SBDC.
During the awards reception, the LSBDC will honor six exemplary entrepreneurs and
community leaders for their contributions to small business and economic development.
LSBDC client, Troy Downs, owner of Downs Enterprises in Bastrop and the recipient
of the 2015 Louisiana Veteran Small Business Champion, is among the honorees.
The LSBDC worked with several Louisiana-based small businesses including Branded Company
of Louisiana, LLC, based in Lafayette, to develop its print and digital collateral
for the brand change. Slidell-based NMD, Inc. & eMerge enhanced its web and social
media presence, and Signs Now of Monroe created the interior and exterior signage
displayed at the state office on the ULM campus.
“We really wanted to work with small businesses on this endeavor,” said Na’Tisha Nelson
Natt, director of marketing and communications. “As we embark upon this new era in
our organization, there is no better way to showcase the talents of Louisiana’s small
businesses, some of whom are our clients.”
