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Louisiana Small Business and Entrepreneurship Commission

The Louisiana Small Business and Entrepreneurship Commission was created in 2001 for the purpose of assessing, evaluating and reviewing state programs that engage in foster the growth of small business and entrepreneurship.

Commission Mission

The mission of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Commission is:

  • To assess, evaluate and review the state programs dealing with small business and entrepreneurship
  • Advise the state regarding novel approaches to delivering assistance to small businesses owners and entrepreneurs
  • Monitor the efforts of the state to improve the plight of businesses that have struggled because of a chronic lack of necessary capital
  • Conduct regional meetings in order to receive input from the business community in the region regarding the state’s programs for small business and entrepreneurs, and to develop information and data necessary to effectuate the purposes of the state’s programs
  • Provide oversight, eliminate duplication and encourage the collaboration of small business and entrepreneurship outreach programs, support organizations and incubators
  • Develop and recommend a uniform application, certification and bidding procedure for all procurement contacts awarded by any state or local.

Commission Member Composition

  • The commission shall consist of 21 members, eight of whom shall be appointed by the governor from each of the state’s seven congressional districts and from among representatives of Louisiana small business, technology-intensive industries, capital financing and minority and women-owned businesses
  • One serial entrepreneur appointed by the governor
  • Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House
  • Two members of the Senate appointed by the president of the Senate
  • Louisiana Economic Development secretary or his designee
  • State director of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center Network
  • Commissioner of the Board of Regents or his designee
  • One representative from the Louisiana State University System selected by its president
  • One representative from the Southern University System selected by its president
  • One representative from the University of Louisiana System selected by its president
  • One representative from the Louisiana Community and Technical College System selected by its president
  • One representative from the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities selected by its president.

All members appointed by the governor shall serve four-year terms and shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed.

Commission Meeting Schedule

Currently, the commission meets quarterly, with four scheduled meeting per year. The commission shall meet no more than 12 times in any calendar year.

Commission Members

Clay Allen (Lafayette)
Calvin E. Beal (Baton Rouge)
Linda Biernacki (Shreveport)
Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D (Hammond)
Charles F. D'Agostino (Baton Rouge)
Senator Ann D. Duplessis (New Orleans)
James S. Gershey (Baton Rouge)
Rita Girouard (New Iberia) 		James B. Henderson (Baton Rouge)
Rep. Juan A. LaFonta (New Orleans)
Richard L. McCline, PhD (Baton Rouge)
Senator Michael Michot (Lafayette)
Johnie M. Varnado (Alexandria)
Mary Lynn Wilkerson (Monroe)
Timothy H. Williamson (New Orleans)
Harold P. Witty (Ventress)