The 小蝌蚪APP is a partner in a new initiative that aims to help small businesses grow.
The application deadline is July 23 for Accelerate Acadiana, a collaboration among UL Lafayette, the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and the Community Foundation of Acadiana小蝌蚪APP檚 INNOV8. A $700,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration funds the program.
Eight businesses will be chosen. The free 14-week course will help business owners build relationships with investors, enable them to receive guidance from mentors and provide funding that could take their company to the next level.
小蝌蚪APP淭he whole idea behind Accelerate Acadiana is to provide resources a small business needs to become a medium or large business,小蝌蚪APP said Dr. Keith Credo, an associate professor of management in the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration.
小蝌蚪APP淪ome small companies reach a plateau, but with the help of expert coaching, coursework and investment, those companies can become a lot bigger. That小蝌蚪APP檚 what an accelerator is supposed to do. In a short period of time, these companies come out with investors interested in them and with the expertise they need to be successful,小蝌蚪APP Credo said.
Accelerate Acadiana begins in August and will run parallel to the 小蝌蚪APP小蝌蚪APP檚 fall semester. This will enable students who are enrolled in entrepreneurship courses to collaborate with the program小蝌蚪APP檚 participants.
小蝌蚪APP淭hese interactions might be the first steps a student takes toward an internship or job, or perhaps spark an idea where students create their own startups,小蝌蚪APP Credo said.
小蝌蚪APP淎ccelerators have had a positive economic impact on the regions where they are located,小蝌蚪APP he added. 小蝌蚪APP淲hen entrepreneurial activity is sparked through initiatives like these, we can expect an even more pronounced long-term effect on the region. That makes programs like Accelerate Acadiana and UL Lafayette小蝌蚪APP檚 involvement all the more exciting.小蝌蚪APP
For information or to apply, visit .