LED Opens Application Period For CEO Roundtables

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, Louisiana Economic Development opened the application period for CEO Roundtables, a popular peer program through which executives may explore business challenges with each other and experienced facilitators. The application period will be Feb. 1 through March 31 for roundtables beginning July 2016. Interested small business executives may apply and learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com/CEO-Roundtables.

Launched in 2014 to help established small businesses grow revenue and jobs, LED’s regional CEO Roundtables convene 15 to 18 qualified key decision-makers from the pool of applicant businesses. Participants meet 10 times for peer-to-peer learning, business networking and support in the yearlong program. Collaborative and growth-oriented, the meetings support a trusting environment in which executives explore business and personal solutions that spur business growth.

Gov. John Bel Edwards said, “These programs are a vital part of strengthening Louisiana’s economy. They offer strategic support for entrepreneurs across the state, and affirm our commitment to expand initiatives for Louisiana’s small businesses. Through this outreach, we want to see Louisiana’s small businesses grow under the leadership of our state’s visionary entrepreneurs, and for the benefit of their many talented and dedicated employees all across our state.”

Participants from a range of industries come together each session to discuss a designated topic determined by the interests of the group. Topics in current and past roundtables have included marketing, strategic planning, operational efficiency, organizational structure, delegation and cybersecurity.

“LED is committed to enhancing the development and delivery of these programs to accelerate small business growth in Louisiana,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “The strength of Louisiana’s small businesses is key to our economic growth. The programs that we provide, including the CEO Roundtables, ensure that our business leaders have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

Roundtable participants typically operate high-growth companies with annual revenue of $600,000 to $50 million and employment of five to 99 people. Each yearlong roundtable consists of 10 half-day sessions moderated by a facilitator. Discussions are structured to provide participants with timely advice on issues they’re facing or are preparing to face.

Roundtable settings allow peer executives to share their company experiences openly, so participants may benefit from each other’s achievements and lessons learned.

Roundtables are underway in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport. Depending on demand, LED is considering 2016 roundtables for the Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe areas.

To learn more about CEO Roundtables or other LED small business programs, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com/Small-Business or contact Chris Cassagne at (225) 342-5882.