News Center

Published June 10, 2015

Troy Downs of Bastrop has recently gained fame as a small business award winner with both a national and local award for his efforts with his clients and the community. Downs was honored with the United States Small Business Development Center (SBDC) 2015 Veterans Business Outreach Centers Excellence in Service Award, and the Louisiana SBDC Entrepreneurial Success Award.

Downs started his business, Downs Enterprise LLC in 2001, and arrived at the LSBDC at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2012 with a financial management and business development plan, but he wasn’t sure how to execute it successfully.

He said the consulting and advisement from Virendra Chhikara—LSBDC Senior Business Consultant—and the LSBDC helped him toward his goal of strengthening his brand.

“The LSBDC strongly advised us on making solid financial plans and decision making,” Downs said.

“They are key resources for individuals and/or groups looking to both start or expand economic growth. Chhikara set us up with a great profile to present to the banks and the banks were impressed with the work he did and that helped us go from renting an office to buying offices.”

Downs Enterprise focuses on managing, consulting, and developing local small businesses through its financial, real estate, and logistics services.

Downs has not only built a business for himself, but has developed ways to impact others in the community. He assisted in starting and managing over 25 successful businesses, created over 50 jobs, and counseled over 100 people through the various products Downs Enterprise has to offer.

His work made the decision easy for the LSBDC when giving him the Entrepreneurial Success Award.

“The numbers and efforts of Downs are staggering. Troy has not only built a business for himself, but has developed ways to impact others in the community,” Chhikara said.

Over time, Downs found a way to extend a helping hand to veterans in the community, and because of his business and community impact and success, Downs Enterprise also won the 2015 Veterans Business Outreach Centers Excellence in Service Award, which was presented by the U.S. SBDC at an awards reception held at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion.

Downs, a 25-year serviceman himself, has also found time to create and manage a foundation. The foundation pays great attention to his fellow Veterans by helping them readjust to civilian life. This foundation steers veterans on the right path with counseling, job preparation, and help with credit restoration.

Downs attended many seminars the LSBDC offered whether they directly impacted his business or not. Downs said just being at the seminars put him in position to learn, get detailed information, and most importantly learn business principles.

“If you’re looking for real business growth I encourage you to attend the LSBDC seminars and bring a pen, paper and an open mind,” Downs said. “Focus on the seminars, stay with it and keep in touch with the consultants often.”

To learn more about the LSBDC, visit www.lsbdc.org