05/20/2026
LED News May 2026
Louisiana small businesses are building, hiring and growing in every region of the state.
As that work continues, LED Lately | Small Business Edition is moving to a quarterly format, with a continued focus on the resources, opportunities and stories helping Louisiana companies take their next step.
Thank you for being part of this work and for helping shape the future of Louisiana business.
Spotlight Louisiana:
Celebrating Louisiana’s Small Business Leaders
Louisiana’s business community came together at Spotlight Louisiana to recognize five companies whose leadership, innovation and growth are creating opportunity in communities across the state.
This year’s awardees show what is possible when Louisiana businesses have the tools, partnerships and confidence to compete for new opportunities. From emerging companies building traction to established employers expanding their impact, the 2026 honorees represent the people and businesses helping power Louisiana's momentum.
Watch the 2026 Spotlight Award Videos
Spotlight Louisiana Business of the Year: Fire & Safety Specialists
Source Louisiana Vendor of the Year: Parish Aggregates
Small and Emerging Business of the Year: Marks Construction
Excellence in Entrepreneurial Leadership: Additive Innovators
Innovative Company of the Year: OS BENEFiTS
Grow Your Small Business with LED Programs
Build the Skills to Grow Your Construction Business
The LCAI Residential Contractors Seminar helps Louisiana entrepreneurs gain the skills needed to enter or expand in the construction industry.
Program Highlights
10-week virtual course covering construction and business fundamentals
Designed for emerging contractors and small businesses
Course dates: June 2-Aug. 6
Registration closes: May 30
Register for the Residential Contractors Seminar
Connect With Louisiana Business Leaders
Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Roundtables bring together Louisiana small business owners for confidential, peer-to-peer learning focused on leadership, strategy and business growth.
Participants Gain:
Insight from experienced business leaders
A trusted network of peers
Practical solutions to real business challenges
Interested in participating in a future cohort?
Submit an interest form
Help Tell Louisiana’s Small Business Story
The strongest stories about Louisiana’s economy come from the businesses building it every day. Through the Louisiana Storyteller Initiative, business owners can share their experiences, highlight progress in their communities and help make opportunity more visible for other Louisiana companies.
Louisiana Storytellers receive curated resources, timely updates and ready-to-use content to help share business growth, workforce momentum and community progress as it unfolds.
Become a Louisiana Storyteller
Access Capital to Start, Scale and Grow Your Business
Louisiana Opportunity Capital offers financing programs designed to help eligible small businesses access funding for startup costs, working capital, equipment purchases and business expansion.
Through micro lending, loan guaranties and collateral support, the programs help entrepreneurs connect with financing options that fit different business needs.
More than 90 Louisiana small businesses have benefited from roughly $8 million in loans through Louisiana Opportunity Capital loan programs.
Learn More About Louisiana Opportunity Capital
Welcome to the Louisiana Storyteller Hub Louisiana’s economic progress is real, measurable, and happening NOW. This digital hub is your resource to help communicate that progress, elevate Louisiana’s visibility, and strengthen our state’s ability to compete globally. Thank you for engaging, ex...
