Q: How can I get a grant to start my small business?
A: The SEBD Program is not a grant, and Louisiana Economic Development does not have grants for small businesses. Small businesses can search for federal grants at www.grants.gov or www.sbir.gov.
Q: Can I certify more than one company in the SEBD Program?
A: NO. The SEBD Program is designed to support only one business, by way of the business owner, for managerial and technical assistance training.
Q: Is there a cost to get certified?
A: NO. Program certification is offered at no charge to the business owner.
Q: I am certified. Now what do I do next?
A: Certification is the first step. Now you must contact one of our SEBD Intermediaries and schedule an assessment. Following the assessment, the Intermediary will make recommendations for your next step.
Q: Does it matter which Intermediary I go to?
A: NO. All SEBD Intermediaries have the experience and expertise to guide you through the program. Feel free to contact the one that is most convenient for you.
Q: I am SEBD certified and I just started a large project to update my company website. Can the SEBD Program help pay for that?
A: NO. Even though the SEBD Program can assist in website enhancements, the program cannot support any ongoing project. All projects must be recommended and submitted by an SEBD Intermediary and approved by LED prior to the project commencing.
Q: My business needs to buy new equipment to continue to grow. Does this program provide assistance to purchase additional equipment?
A: NO. The Small and Emerging Business Development Program does not provide assistance to purchase hard or fixed assets. The Program is designed to provide for managerial and technical assistance training at reduced costs.
Q: How long does the SEBD certification last?
A: The SEBD certification is good for 10 years or until the firm no longer qualifies for the program.
Q: Can I re-certify after the 10 years?
A: NO. The certification is only good for one 10-year period.
Q: How do I log in to see my account after I am certified?
A: You can visit www.ledsmallbiz.com and log in under the "Previous User" heading using the appropriate username and password.
Q: Where do I find a paper application?
A: All applications for the SEBD Program must be submitted using our online application process.
Q: Is this a DBE or MBE program?
A: NO. All Louisiana Economic Development small business programs are race and gender neutral.
Q: How do I get certified as a woman, minority-owned, or disadvantaged business?
A: Information about these programs can be found at the following sites:
U.S. Small Business Administration Programs
Women’s Business Enterprise Council South
Louisiana's Unified Certification Program
Q: I am already certified in the SEBD Program and I want to show proof to a potential client, but I misplaced my certificate. Can I get another certificate?
A: Yes. Please follow the directions below.
- Connect to Louisiana Economic Development's small business portal at www.ledsmallbiz.com.
- Type in your username and password under the "Previous User Login" heading. (If you forgot your password, follow the appropriate link under "Previous User Login").
- After logging in, you will be given the option to view your certification letter under the button titled "Certificates and Documents."
- Click on "View SEBD Certification Letter."
- You should now see the SEBD certificate and can print as needed.