Business and Entrepreneur Development Center (BEDC)
The Business and Entrepreneur Center (BEDC) supports Southern University at Shreveport’s (SUSLA) micro-enterprise growth initiatives for start-up and existing businesses.
OFFICE SUITES/WORKSPACE & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Located directly across from SUSLA’s main campus, this 6,500 sq. ft. facility offers attractive, quality office space with low-cost rent. In addition to free/discounted business services offered through the SEBD program, the facility features eight private offices suites (Drop-In Desks are available), two training rooms, two conference rooms, as well as a Computer Lab, Resource Room, Break Area, and a dedicated Building Manager.
Amenities include:
- Individual furnished office spaces range between 150–220 sq. ft. ($350 per month)
- Virtual office opportunities ($150 per month)
- State-of-the-art VoIP telephones
- High-speed internet access
- Access to free and discounted financing, legal, marketing, public relations and Web design services (MUST be SEBD Certified – quick and easy process!)
- Shared office staff and equipment
- 24/7 building access
- Utilities included
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
SUSLA provides technical assistance and training for entrepreneurs that may have the skills necessary for their particular business interest but lack the technical knowledge of operating a business effectively. Areas of interest include information on determining start-up costs, financing and loans, credit, business plan development, completion of articles of organization, application for employer identification number (EIN) and information on applicable city and parish licensing requirements.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING
SUSLA hosts an entrepreneurship training course for small businesses in the Shreveport-Bossier area in partnership with CoHabitat Foundation. Programming offered is subscribed from the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac NewVenture program. Based on more than 20 years of entrepreneurial training experience from the world-renowned Kauffman Foundation, the programming provides a unique and valuable experience to small businesses in the region. These courses are facilitated by Kauffman certified instructors and include information on management, business plan development, marketing, record-keeping, cash flow projections, and financial resources. Additionally, other workshops and forums are conducted throughout the year to provide capacity building opportunities.