Entrepreneurship & Small Business

Baton Rouge-area bankers say they are paying closer attention to deals involving clients in industries most impacted by rising interest rates. 

One of the most crucial moments in a startup’s life is convincing investors of its worth. Whether an idea is in its earliest stages or in need of that extra push, a solid pitch that connects with investors can elevate a startup to the next level. 

Dream Motor Group, founded in Baton Rouge, has expanded into the Miami market with the recent acquisition of two Mercedes-Benz dealerships, making the group the second largest seller of Mercedes-Benz cars in the U.S., according to the group’s founder.

Getting in and out of the few crowded places to eat before lunch break...

Baton Rouge startup Directed Analytics announced this week it has partnered Baton Rouge Community College’s Program for Successful Employment to help students with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Louisiana’s U.S. Sen. John Kennedy and New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen this week authored a bill to improve access to high-speed internet in rural areas nationwide through the Small Business Administration. 

The Small Business Administration announced this month a slate of enhancements to its disaster relief loan program. Collectively, the changes could help bolster its support of small businesses recovering from hurricanes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters, Inc. reports.  

Research and development incentives are supposed to spur innovation, but an R&D tax change implemented at the start of last year is stifling the work of some entrepreneurs, Inc. reports. 

Baton Rouge entrepreneur Meredith Waguespack, founder of Sweet Baton Rouge, has expanded into business consulting with the creation of Nouveau Consulting. 

Small business owners are feeling slightly more optimistic, but they’re still concerned about inflation and many continue to struggle with filling openings at their companies, according to the latest survey from the National Federation for Independent Business.