Louisiana Technology Park

10 Insights from Entrepreneur and Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger

From 'Top Chef Masters' to food trucks, this restaurateur continues to reinvent herself.

10 Workplace Trends to Watch in 2012

Keep up with the ever changing American workplace with these 10 trends.

Baristas, the Hooters of Coffee, Tries Reality TV

The Seattle coffee chain is holdings auditions to cast "hot young girls as servers" for a new reality show. A recent Tampa casting call, however, came up short.

10 Reasons Your Small Business Shouldn't Start a Blog

Blogging is increasingly popular, but that doesn't mean it's right for your small business. Here are some reasons you might want to hold off on blogging.

Storytelling Expected to Score Big in 2012 Super Bowl Ads

Three ways small businesses can turn stories into ads and digital content without a Super Bowl-size budget.

The Kickoff: Three Startups Born from the NFL

After the Super Bowl and the end of the season, some football stars learn business skills and start their own companies.

How One Entrepreneur Used the Law of Publicity to Get Investors

Getting turned down by the 'Sharks' was the best thing to happen to one contestant.

Game On for Pizza Franchises

Forget football. Sales of America's favorite food will skyrocket on Super Bowl Sunday. That's good news for these pizza franchises.

Why Watching the Super Bowl May Inspire You to Start a Business

An entrepreneurship organization is running an ad during the Super Bowl. Its goal: To get you to start up.

Zuckerberg's $1 Salary and More: Parsing the Facebook IPO Filing

Facebook's IPO filing reveals a great deal about the company. Here's a brief overview.

Seven Secrets of Self-Made Multimillionaires

Sales pro Grant Cardone examines the habits of the super-rich, and how to make them your own.

Nine Tech Terms You Need to Know Before Starting a Business

No matter what industry you're in, having a working knowledge of tech-related concepts can be crucial. Here's a look at some of the most important terms and what they mean.

What Facebook's IPO Means for VCs and Entrepreneurs

The social networking giant's showing on the public market may land with a thud.

How to Reinvent Your Business (Video)

The owners of social-buying site Fab.com discuss how they came to the decision to shut down their old venture -- and focus on their new one. Here are their three tips for how to pivot.

Three Social-Media-Fueled Contests for Small Businesses

Contests are emerging as a popular, low-cost way for big companies to connect with their small-business customers. Check out these three business contests.

Sit Down Now and Write That Business Plan (Opinion)

If you're serious about building a successful enterprise, you'll need a business plan. But don't let that stop you from starting.

How to Safeguard Online Shopping Transactions

A secure credit-card transaction system can encourage shoppers to make purchases and help ensure that you stay in business.

How Broderick's Bueller Can Deliver Your Business Super Bowl Buzz

Curious how to take advantage of the pre-game buzz? Consider newsjacking or hosting a promotional tie-in.

Inside the Mind of Your Buyers

A look at what motivates customers to buy -- and six ways to tailor your sales pitch.

Startup America Gets a Do-Over

The President issued a new call on Congress to pass an ambitious legislative agenda to help small businesses, but some wonder whether it's just hot air.

The 10 Things Facebook Got Right Pre-IPO

Facebook has the potential to raise $10 billion in an IPO. Here's why that's possible.

Using an iPad to Boost Productivity (Video)

Jaime and Mark Van Wye, owners of dog-training franchise Zoom Room, say they're running a more efficient business thanks to tablet technology. Here are their iPad tips.

Is Facebook Advertising for You?

Most businesses can benefit from some sort of Facebook advertising, but not every business should make a significant investment in it. Should you?

Three Lessons a Serial Tech Entrepreneur Learned from Bill Gates

Naveen Jain shares the insights he gleaned from the Microsoft co-founder, and how he used them when starting his own businesses.

What You Need to Know About Brand Building vs. SEO

Follow these suggestions to balance branding and search-engine optimization in your marketing efforts.

10 Business Plan Words Every Manager Needs to Know By Heart

If you're starting or running a business, you'll need to know this list of essential business planning words.

How to Sell Shares Without Going Public

Secondary markets like SharesPost and SecondMarket offer a less costly avenue for raising money from investors than an IPO.

What to Do When You've Built It and No One Comes

When you have something to sell, being stuck in one place isn't always a winning idea. Fortunately, there is an alternative.

Forget Networking. How to Be a Connector

It's critical to hone your "connector" skills -- that is, your ability to make new friends and acquaintances. Here's how.

Turning a Layoff Into a Sweet Startup

Meet three entrepreneurs who turned their passion for baking into encore careers.

Live Chat with Billionaire Entrepreneur Mark Cuban

The investor and 'Shark Tank' star took your questions in a live interactive discussion.

Why Google's Privacy Changes Are Good for Advertisers

If your small business advertises with the search giant, you may soon find that your placements are even more effective.

The Best Ways to Praise Your Employees (Video)

Praise in the workplace can be a powerful motivator. The Esquire Guy teaches us how to do it right. Hint: No bear hugs.

How Your Business Can Last Longer than a Twinkie

Kodak and Hostess may have landed in bankruptcy court, but you can avoid their fate. Here are four tips.

Snooki, 'Housewives' and the Reality of Celebrity Businesses

How 15 minutes of fame can lead to as many problems as opportunities.

When Networking, Vive la Difference?

Both men and women can benefit from better understanding gender-specific communication styles. Consider these tips to start you on your way to success in networking with the opposite sex for your business.

Understanding Google's New Page Layout Algorithm

Where you place ads on your website now matters more than ever.

Does Your Business Know When to Stop Selling?

This week's upcoming 'Shark Tank' episode spotlights the importance of learning one often-overlooked overlooked skill: When to stop selling and close the deal.

Mentors: A Young Entrepreneur's Secret Weapon

Finding a mentor when you're just starting up, can make all the difference. Here are eight tips for finding one.

Tips for Hiring the Best Employees

Follow these suggestions to simplify the interviewing process and help make sure it turns up the best candidates.

Online Sellers Brace for a New Tax Filing Requirement

Some small businesses may need to declare added income on their 2011 returns. Here's what you need to know if do business on eBay or Etsy.

How 'Small Business' and 'Entrepreneur' Fare in State of the Union Addresses

Small businesses and entrepreneurs were mentioned just six times in Obama's speech. We examine how often past presidents have put them in the spotlight.

McDonald's Social-Media Lesson: Critics Tweet Back

The hamburger chain admits that its new Twitter campaign, designed to promote the farmers who supply its meat, didn't go exactly as planned.

A Guide for Using Mobile Devices When Traveling Abroad

From roaming fees to pricey data plans, follow these tips to avoid getting a mobile bill that's more expensive than your airfare.

At Grubwithus You Never Have to Dine Alone

Former college buddies find fast-track growth with a business that makes meals more social.

The 10 Ds of Creating a Social Media Use Policy

Every business needs a social media use policy, and here's how to create one.

What the State of the Union Address May Hold for Small Businesses

Here is a rundown of what small business owners and advocates hope to hear from President Obama as he addresses the nation tonight.

Meeting in the Middle: Networking With the Opposite Sex

Men and women approach networking from two different directions, but if you want to build relationships and create opportunities, you need to find common ground.

Which Way Is Best: Relationships First or Business First?

Men often go for the transaction immediately, rather than nurturing networking relationships as women do. Solve this chicken-or-egg conundrum before you embark on your networking efforts.

Starbucks Is Into Them. But What Exactly Are CDFIs?

A quick guide to Community Development Financial Institutions: How they work and whether they can help you get money to start your business.

Why Tony Hsieh Wants to Rehabilitate Sin City

The Zappos.com founder is hoping his bet on Las Vegas will be a win, win for his company and the community.

Three Affordable Ways to Get Celebrities to Promote Your Brand

Hiring a celebrity spokesperson doesn't have to break the bank. Here are three, low-cost ways to involve celebrities in your business.

Gemvara Mines Business Success With Customized Bling

A look at the growth spurt of this design-your-own jewelry company, and how its focus on customization helps it stand out in a crowded market.

For Tech Startups, the U.S. -- Not China -- Is the Place to Launch

For those interested in catering to Chinese customers, it helps to have ties to America.

Five Ways to Tame Your Inbox

These tools that can help any small business gain control of email clutter and become more organized and productive.

This Nurse Wears a Tool Belt

Handywoman Beth Allen launches a company that's part fix-it business and part tool school to help women with home repairs.

Software for Social Media Junkies

Because it's hard to stay off Facebook with willpower alone.

Do Small Businesses Really Need the SBA's Help?

The SBA's Small Business Development Centers serve over 500,000 entrepreneurs a year, but they're still on the budget chopping block.

How Fine Art America Built Its Business by Bootstrapping

Before you even think about asking someone to invest in your business, consider what Sean Broihier of Fine Art America did.

A SOPA About-Face for Members of Congress

Votes on anti-piracy bills are placed on hold in the wake of dramatic online and in-person protests.

What to Consider Before Buying a Franchise

Franchise ownership isn't for everyone, nor is every opportunity a gold mine. Here's a shortlist of what you need to know.

How Badgeville Is Gamifying the Internet

A look at the growth spurt of this tech startup, plus the founders' advice on how you can stay ahead of the curve, too.

Shark Tank vs. Undercover Boss: Which Are You Tivo-ing?

See what's coming up on both shows this season, which kicks off this week.

Small Businesses Feel the Loss of Keystone Pipeline Project

The President's rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline project will have a dampening effect on a number of small businesses.

How to Avoid a Franchise Fad

Before sinking your money into a hot franchise concept, make sure it's the real deal -- not a dead duck.

What's Hot in Venture Capital in 2012

New York investors make predictions as to which sectors will receive funding in the coming year.

Three Steps to Optimize Your Website For Google's 'Freshness' Update

Small-business owners can capitalize on the latest search-engine change by posting often and commenting on timely topics.

Richard Branson on Strategies for Success

A look at the most helpful advice for entrepreneurs from the celebrated billionaire.

Five Painless Ways to Raise Prices this Year

With the economy still so uncooperative, how can you sell customers on a price raise? Here are a few ideas.

NY Tech Entrepreneurs: Stop the SOPA and PIPA Anti-Piracy Bills

Online and in-person, groups protest controversial legislation.

Live Chat with Shark Tank's Daymond John

One of the sharks from ABC's hit entrepreneur reality show answers your questions about pitching, investing and what it's like in the shark tank.

Three Tips for Keeping Business Data Safe on Personal Mobile Devices

Do your employees use their own smartphones and tablets for work? If so, follow these suggestions to keep sensitive business information secure.

Fast-Growing Chegg Aims for High Marks with Students

From homework help to the inside scoop on professors, we examine how this textbook entrepreneur is staying ahead of the curve in the education market.

Why and How to Host a Hackathon

Short on programming talent or ideas? Consider hosting a hackathon.

Puzzle for Policy Makers: How to Increase Gender Equality in Entrepreneurship

The solution for policy makers looking to reduce the longstanding disparity between the sexes may depend largely on why the gap continues.

Why You Should Consider Outsourcing Computer Security

If you aren't equipped to fight a cyber war, you can hire mercenaries who are.

Six Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Seeking Venture Capital

Learning how to pitch investors is an invaluable skill. Avoid these blunders, which are sure to make a bad impression--and could kill the deal.

Emerging Social Media Sites to Attract Users

As email and instant messaging loses prowess among users, smaller social-networking sites are stepping up.

White House Opposes Online Piracy Bills -- For Now

Obama administration puts the brakes on controversial legislation to punish 'rogue' websites that sell pirated content.

Three Ways to Capitalize on Business Optimism

Even before the nation added 200,000 new jobs in December, business owners were starting to feel more upbeat about 2012. Here's how to take advantage of that warm, fuzzy feeling.

What You Need to Know About Google Apps for Business

Consider these factors if you're thinking about switching to Google's updated, paid offering.

Time-Management Tips from Serial Entrepreneurs

Five business owners offer their best advice for becoming more productive -- and finding the right work-life balance.

From Chicago CEO to 'Trop Rock' in Key West

This former CEO donated his suits to the Salvation Army and now dons Hawaiian shirts to sing and host a TV show.

Start a Business for Under $500

Check out 7 startups you can launch for next to nothing.

Obama Elevates Head of the SBA

The president raised the head of the Small Business Administration to a Cabinet-level position, and proposed streamlining the agency with five others.

What I Learned at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show

Among the glitzy gadgets at CES 2012, here are the three small-business tech trends to keep an eye on this year.

Why Social Media May Weaken the Moral Fiber of Your Workplace

Of all the benefits of social media, it could also lead to ethical woes in the workplace.

Seven Ways to Whip Your Website into Shape

Here is a guide for giving your business website a makeover that will help attract more clients in 2012.

Six Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Health-Care Coverage

Health insurance is increasingly complicated and expensive, but small-business owners can better navigate the system by steering clear of these missteps.

A Bakery Makes a Sweet Comeback With Crowdfunding (Video)

After investors backed out, pastry chef Jessie Isaacs turned to her customers to raise money to open her storefront. In this video, she provides tips on how to crowdfund.

Watch Highlights of the Entrepreneur Growth Conference

In case you missed the one-day event in California this week, catch up with Chris Brogan's keynote and hear from the award winners.

Are You Really in Charge of Your Business?

Business ownership is all about being your own boss and getting to call the shots, except when investors, partners, your spouse or even your mom butt in. How do you stay in control?

CES 2012: Three Wild Tools from Tech Entrepreneurs

A walkthrough of the event's first-ever exhibit area for startup companies.

Tips to Manage a Successful Sales Team

The traits that make top sales pros great also can lead to difficulties for managers. Here's how to adapt your managerial style so sales can soar.

How to Raise Money for Your Startup -- Now

Entrepreneur and finance expert Asheesh Advani shares his best tips for finding capital in a difficult economy.

Highlights from the 2012 Entrepreneur Growth Conference

See photos from our annual conference in Long Beach, Calif.

CES 2012: Five Ways to Boost Productivity with New Tech Tools

A look at technologies that can have you working and living more efficiently.

What You Can Learn About Innovation from Amazon, Starbucks and USPS

How do the big companies stay on top? Take a look at some of the new customer-service ideas Amazon, USPS and Starbucks have in store.

How Many Jobs Can Your Startup Create This Year?

Never discount the value you and your company can have on your community or the world -- even if you start up in your garage, your bedroom or the trunk of your car.

12 Commandments for Closing a Sale

Sales pro Grant Cardone shares his rules for helping small business owners close more deals.



Grants : : Business Plan Help : : SWOT : : FAQ : : Links
There are several state and federal grant programs available to businesses in Louisiana. A few are listed below: Enterprise Zone: The Enterprise Zone, or EZ program is a jobs incentive program that provides Louisiana income and franchise tax credits to a business hiring at least 35% of net, new jobs from one of four targeted groups. Read more. SBIR: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is designed to ensure that the nation's small, high-tech, innovative businesses are a significant part of the U.S. Government's research and development efforts. Read more.