Optimum Business and the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance Announce the Founding of the L.L.B. Grants
30 businesses across Southwest Louisiana will be awarded a $3,000 grant to support
“Lifting up Louisiana Small Businesses”
LOUISIANA (JULY 10, 2024) – Optimum Business, the provider of advanced internet, mobile, TV, and phone services, and the Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) Economic Development Alliance today announce the founding of the L.L.B. Grants, which will directly fund 30 businesses across five parishes in Southwest Louisiana. The program will distribute $3,000 grants to each selected business recipient in Optimum’s service area to support their success and growth as well as expand upon their ability to provide for their customers and community.
Additionally, the SWLA Economic Development Alliance will offer grant winners a basic membership to the Chamber SWLA, which includes access to programs and services to further ensure businesses in Southwest Louisiana have the resources they need to succeed.
“Optimum Business recognizes the vital role that small businesses play in the economic and social well-being of Southwest Louisiana, and we are proud to support them with the reliable and innovative connectivity solutions they need to evolve and thrive in a digital economy,” said Jesse Garcia, Vice President, General Manager of Mid Central at Optimum. “It’s critical that Optimum Business meets the needs of businesses across Louisiana, and we are thrilled to partner with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance to launch this grant program, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to helping small businesses access the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and prosper so that they can continue supporting their local communities.”
“Our region’s small businesses are critical for our economy and our communities, and we are grateful to Optimum Business for their support and partnership. Together with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance, they are offering 30 businesses a unique opportunity to share their stories and learn how technology and innovation can help them grow and thrive,” said George Swift, President and CEO of the SWLA Economic Development Alliance. “We are proud to partner with Optimum Business to launch this program and invite eligible businesses across the five-parish of Southwest Louisiana from all sectors to apply to the L.L.B. Grants.”
How to Apply
To apply via the online portal, interested small businesses must meet the following requirements:
Have a brick-and-mortar location in Optimum’s service area;
Have been open for a minimum of two years;
Have 10 or fewer employees;
Submit an application by August 16, 2024;
Demonstrate through their application that the grant will both support the expansion and growth of their company and contribute positively to the community where they serve.
For more on the L.L.B. Grants, including submission requirements, official program rules, and how to submit, visit www.allianceswla.org/llbgrants
Optimum Business and the SWLA Economic Development Alliance expect to announce the grant recipients this fall. Once the winners are announced, Optimum Business will also host recognition events this fall with local officials and key community partners joining in on the celebrations, as well as highlight these businesses with the SWLA Economic Development Alliance through a series of stories and videos that will help to expand upon their ability to provide for their communities.
As part of Optimum’s recently launched brand platform “Where local is big time,” Optimum continues to find new ways to deepen its community presence and connect its customers to what matters most, which includes supporting, understanding, and celebrating what makes each of its local communities unique. The L.L.B. Grants is a concrete example of this very commitment to customers and businesses in Louisiana, furthering the company’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.