The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is celebrating small businesses and the contributions they make to our community during the month of May.
The U.S. Small Business Administration officially recognizes the value of small businesses during National Small Business Week held May 1-7, 2016.
It is estimated that small businesses make up 97 percent of all Louisiana employers. In Northeast Louisiana alone, there are over 7,000 small businesses. The top three industries include retail, professional services, health care and social assistance. In the United States, small businesses pay almost 40 percent of all wages
Volunteers visited over 50 small businesses in the West Monroe and West Ouachita area this week to present them with Small Business Week/Shop Local signs. We thank small businesses for the time, energy and commitment they give every day. Small businesses employ our friends, family and neighbors, and sales tax generated from these businesses help fund parks, schools, roadways and public safety.
The La. Small Business Development Center on the ULM campus offers a number of free trainings and services for small business owners in this region. The Chamber encourages small business owners to take advantage of their services. They can be reached at (318) 324-1224 or online at www.lsbdc.org/ulm.
