UL Lafayette’s Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Center (LEED), the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, and the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation (IDF) will lead the 3-week initiative.

Accelerate Iberia is the final program in an 18-month initiative that LEED has coordinated to help bolster economic development in several regions of Acadiana, including rural areas. The efforts are being augmented by a $300,000 grant awarded to the LEED Center by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The center supports small businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic development agencies across the state.

“Iberia Parish is at the heart of the Acadiana’s cultural economy and has a long history of entrepreneurship and innovation. Our team at the LEED Center and the B.I. Moody, III College of Business at UL are grateful for the opportunity to bring a program for small businesses to Iberia Parish. Accelerate Iberia is designed for anyone dreaming of starting a business or anyone wishing to improve their current small business. Working with Mike Tarantino at IDF and Thomas Falgout at the Iberia Chamber of Commerce will help to build a program that is sustainable and one that lasts beyond the scope of this grant,” said Dr. Geoffrey Stewart, LEED Center Director & Moody Company/BORSF Endowed Chair in Regional Business Development.

“We are also grateful for the support from Parish President Richard and Mayor DeCourt in this effort. Finally, entrepreneurship is about empowerment, and we look forward to collaborating with citizens and community leaders that are seeking to build economy, jobs, and momentum through the growth of new businesses,” he continued.

Thomas Falgout, president and CEO of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is excited to have this opportunity with the LEED Center for people looking to start a business or current business owners who are looking to grow.

“Economic development is a key part of continuing to build our community as a great place to work, live, and play. The Accelerate Iberia program is wonderful for small business owners, start-ups, and those just generally interested in entrepreneurial efforts.” – Thomas Falgout, President & CEO, Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce

Mike Tarantino, president and CEO of Iberia Industrial Development Foundation, said starting and growing new and existing businesses is an important part of the foundation’s economic development mission and “a hallmark of community growth and success.”

“The Accelerate Iberia program is a great way to get the information you need for long-term success, and we are happy for the opportunity to partner with the LEED Center to bring small businesses and entrepreneurs the information and tools they need to succeed,” he said.

Accelerate Iberia will include workshops that will be held on three consecutive Wednesdays and will cover topics such as business planning, financial resources and support, and marketing.

The events will be held at the New Iberia Research Center, 4401 W. Admiral Doyle Drive in New Iberia on May 18, 25, and June 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Following the three-week kickstart program, participants will receive continued support from the LEED Center as well as local economic development entities such as the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce and the Iberia Industrial Development Foundation.

Cost to attend Accelerate Iberia is $25. For more information, contact Jonathan Shirley at leedcenter@louisiana.edu