In a significant move to bolster the entrepreneurial landscape of Louisiana’s Northshore region, the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation and Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU) have renewed and expanded their collaborative efforts. This enhanced partnership aims to provide comprehensive support to local businesses across St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes.
The renewed agreement aligns two pivotal programs: STartUP Northshore, spearheaded by St. Tammany EDC, and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern (LSBDC-SLU). By integrating these initiatives, the partnership seeks to streamline access to capital, technical assistance, and entrepreneurial education for small businesses in the region.
“This collaboration is a game changer for our region’s economic development ecosystem,” stated Dr. Tará Lopez, Dean of the College of Business at SLU. “By working together, we’re creating a more connected and effective support system for our entrepreneurs.”
Under the new agreement, St. Tammany EDC will serve as an official satellite office for LSBDC-SLU, expanding physical access to one-on-one counseling and technical assistance from LSBDC advisors. This move is designed to deliver targeted, place-based support to small businesses that are vital to regional growth.
Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany EDC, emphasized the importance of this initiative during National Small Business Week and Economic Development Week. “By aligning our efforts, we’re creating more coordinated entry points for businesses to access the resources they need to thrive,” he said.
Wayne Ricks, Director of LSBDC-SLU, highlighted the benefits of embedding services within St. Tammany EDC. “This integration allows us to offer more targeted support, ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to the guidance and community they need,” he noted.
The partnership also includes joint efforts in business referrals, co-hosted workshops and trainings, and regional communication strategies. These initiatives aim to make navigating resources more intuitive for entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and dynamic economic environment on the Northshore.
Cenzo Caronna, Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Program Manager of STartUP Northshore, remarked, “Ecosystem building requires alignment and shared purpose. This partnership breaks down silos and creates clearer paths for entrepreneurs to access the right support at the right moment.”
As the Northshore region continues to evolve, this strengthened alliance between St. Tammany EDC and SLU stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving economic prosperity and supporting the next generation of local businesses.
