Resource Roundtable: Let’s talk about business

BY KADIE TAYLOR

THE LAFAYETTE SUN

LAFAYETTE — LaFayette Main Street is hosting a Resource Roundtable on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the LaFayette Main Street office, allowing business owners to hear from leaders, vendors and professionals who will share their strategies for success.

“We wanted to put this together because [we have heard from] many of our businesses that they would love some more information, more resources, access to grants and help with their overall success,” said Executive Director of LaFayette Main Street, DeAnna Hand. “So we really wanted to bring everybody together and offer a time for us to learn together, to know what resources are out there, have some expertise [as well as] talk about their experiences and what has made them successful in business.”

Hand said that, along with hearing from experienced business leaders in their community, business owners will have the opportunity to interact with one another and engage with the discussions from presenters.

“We’re going to have multiple speakers that are going to talk about grants and resources, such as marketing, promotions, business performance, strategic planning and all the things that really impact a small business,” she said. “We also wanted to make it a roundtable, so that way it’s more interactive and it is not just a presentation, slideshow or one person talking. We want it to be a roundtable of multiple different experts, including our small businesses, to allow them to give information on what’s worked for them and what they have learned along the way.”

As Hand has shared the information for local business owners to attend the event, she said she has heard from the entrepreneurs that they are excited to learn more about how to apply for grants and other resources that can help their business grow.

“When we announced it, they were really excited, because they just felt like it was a way for them to learn more,” she said. “We want them to be able to build up a resource toolbox so they know who they can go to for assistance or help with certain projects, and [where they can] find more information from experts that have done it before or are experienced with it — so they can have that at their fingertips.”

Through awarding 10 Small Business Grants and 12 Facade Grants over the past two years, Hand said she has seen many small businesses grow and improve their buildings through grant funding, and she hopes that this Resource Roundtable will empower business owners to apply for more grants.

“I truly hope this encourages small businesses to pursue grant opportunities without feeling overwhelmed by the process,” she said. “There are many grants available, and they’re often far more accessible than they seem at first. Our goal is to see more local businesses secure funding and enjoy the same opportunities found in larger cities. LaFayette Main Street is committed to supporting our member businesses as they navigate grant applications, serving as a valuable resource along the way.”

For more information, visit lafayettemainstreet.org.