Small Business, Big Impact: Join the 2025-26 SEBD Roundtables

Louisiana Economic Development has launched recruitment for its 2025-2026 Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Roundtables, a yearlong peer-to-peer learning initiative designed to support the growth and development of Louisiana’s small businesses.

SEBD Roundtables connect small and emerging business leaders in facilitated sessions that emphasize collaborative learning, strategic problem-solving and peer support. The program uses the Edward Lowe Foundation’s PeerSpectives™ Roundtable System, a nationally recognized model for small business development. Cohorts will begin meeting in July and August and will convene 10 times over the course of a year.

Participation is open to both current and prospective SEBD program participants.

“SEBD Roundtables offer an invaluable opportunity for small business owners to build community while gaining new perspectives to address common challenges,” Louisiana Growth Network Director Stephanie Hartman said. “This program empowers entrepreneurs with the tools, strategies and peer support they need to sustain and grow their businesses in an ever-changing marketplace.”

Each session provides a structured, confidential environment where participants can share challenges, explore solutions and develop leadership and management skills.

“The SEBD Roundtable has connected me with an incredibly diverse group of business leaders who lift each other up to celebrate success and share business challenges,” NOLA Wood Windows Valerie Vides said. “I’ve learned to be a better business owner by focusing on the things within my control and being reminded I am not alone. This is a community I lean into for support. Being part of the roundtable has helped my business grow thoughtfully and strategically by learning from others who’ve faced similar obstacles.”

SEBD Roundtables are facilitated by certified SEBD Intermediaries who provide technical and managerial assistance to ensure a consistent and high-quality experience.

Business owners interested in participating should contact their local intermediary for information on eligibility and the application process:

• Bayou Region Incubator, Thibodaux
• Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension, Gonzales
• Propeller, New Orleans
• Small Business Development Center, McNeese State University, Lake Charles
• Small Business Development Center, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond
• Small Business Development Center, Southern University, Baton Rouge
• Small Business Development Center, Southern University at Shreveport
• Small Business Development Center, University of Louisiana Monroe
• Small Business Development Center, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Urban League of Louisiana, New Orleans

For more information on SEBD Roundtables, contact LED Senior Program Manager Tatiana Bruce at Tatiana.Bruce@la.gov or 225.342.5663. Learn more and apply to the SEBD Program and certification at OpportunityLouisiana.com/SEBD .