Cabrini Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program (CDBE)

This site is a searchable database of business owners and service providers seeking opportunities with Cabrini Hospital. In an effort to encourage and enhance economic development in the Central Louisiana community, all individuals or companies submitting proposals or bids to CHRISTUS Health Central Louisiana (which includes CHRISTUS Cabrini Hospital, CHRISTUS Coushatta Health Center, and CHRISTUS St Joseph’s Home) for consideration are encouraged to make good faith efforts to subcontract ten (10) percent of the dollar value of the prime contract or purchases to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Visitors may complete an online application to be added to the database or search for local businesses or service providers with whom they wish to give contract opportunities.

City of Alexandria

Central Louisiana has become known as "The Crossroads," a place where all of Louisiana comes together - from culture to food and music. With a population of over 46,342, Alexandria continues to grow in every sector of our society.

LA One Call

Louisiana One Call is a free service, nonprofit notification program that protects vital underground utilities and facilities. This service is a response to the Louisiana Damage Prevention Law that became effective in 1988, requiring excavators and demolishers to provide appropriate notification before beginning work.

LA Office of State Purchasing (OSP)

The Louisiana Office of State Purchasing (OSP) standardizes, procures, and/or supervises the procurement of all goods, services, and major repairs required by state agencies.

The website provides information about the procurement process for agencies, describing basic procedures and requirements, and assists vendors who wish to do business with the State.

LA Unified Certification Program (LAUCP)

This program is administered by the Louisiana Department of Transportation. Upon official certification by certifying agencies, the applicant will automatically be recognized as a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by all Louisiana highways, airports, and transit authorities that receive over $250,000 in federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The applicant will also be placed in the LAUCP Directory and be eligible to participate in contract opportunities by those grant recipient agencies that have given written assurances to the U. S. Secretary of Transportation that they will take necessary action to include socially and economically disadvantaged business concerns in contract opportunities. Visit this site to become certified as a DBE and/or Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) for the state of Louisiana.

LA State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC)

The website gives background on the Contractors License Law and provides extensive information, including the following:

· Procedure for applying for a license and renewing online
· Various examinations (business, law, trade) administered by agency staff
· Monthly administrative and disciplinary hearings for alleged violations
· Construction project investigations to determine compliance and enforcement of the law.

Louisiana Department of Labor

The mission of the Louisiana Department of Labor is to help strengthen the Louisiana economy by building a well-trained quality workforce, by providing an efficient labor market exchange for workers and businesses, and by helping to maintain a workplace that is supportive of worker safety and productivity.

MBDA

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. MBDA is the only federal agency created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America. MBDA is an innovative organization committed to entrepreneurship and wealth creation in minority communities. The Agency's mission is to actively promote the growth and competitiveness of large, medium and small minority business enterprises (MBEs). MBDA actively coordinates and leverages public and private sector resources that facilitate strategic alliances in support of its mission.

NBIA

The National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) is the world's leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship. It provides thousands of professionals with the information, education, advocacy and networking resources to bring excellence to the process of assisting early-stage companies worldwide.

The association is composed primarily of incubator developers and managers, but technology commercialization specialists, educators and business assistance professionals are also well represented. Its mission is to provide training and a clearinghouse for information on incubator management and development issues and on tools for assisting start-up and fledgling firms.

SBA

The Small Business Administration (SBA) inspires creativity in the American economy by developing and supporting entrepreneurs through a vast network of resource partners. We advocate for all small businesses by taking leadership in building a productive partnership between the American people and its government. Our team focuses on delivering results for small business, being accountable, accessible and responsive. We empower the spirit of entrepreneurship within every community to promote and realize the American dream. We facilitate the environment necessary for America’s small businesses to succeed, measuring our performance by small business success.

Small & Emerging Business Development Center (SEBD)

The Small and Emerging Business Development Program (SEBD) is one of the main delivery vehicles for Louisiana Economic Development to assist small businesses in both the rural and urban regions of the state. To apply online for the available programs offered for Louisiana's small businesses, fill out the appropriate information under Register Here. If you are a previous user, login to find out more information about the available programs.