The Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension (MBECA) is proud to present Ascension Parish Small Business Week 2026, a four-day celebration dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, connect, and compete in today’s economy. This exciting week will feature FREE virtual certification workshops, specialized training sessions, and networking opportunities designed to help businesses access new procurement markets and industry partnerships.
Learn how to become certified in major Louisiana economic development programs including Louisiana Department of Economic Development – Small & Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Program, Hudson Initiative, and the Veteran-Owned Small Business (VES) Program. These certifications provide access to powerful business resources such as procurement opportunities with government and industry, bonding assistance, business credit initiatives, rural business development programs, CEO roundtables and executive mentorship, contractor training through the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute (LCAI), and technical assistance and specialized business training.
Ascension Small Business Day – Thursday, May 14, 2026 Price Leblanc PACE Center (St. Anthony Drive – Gonzales, Louisiana)
7:00 AM – FREE Continental Breakfast – Sponsored by Vicious Biscuit
8:00 AM – Opening Program – Featuring speakers from MBECA and Louisiana Economic Development. This FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC event includes workshops on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity for Small Business, Supplier Procurement Opportunities, and Industry Networking.
Small Business / Big Business Connect – 10:30 AM –
A unique networking opportunity where small businesses can connect directly with large industry and procurement decision-makers to learn how to become suppliers.
Chamber Business Luncheon – Through a partnership with the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, attendees are invited to participate in the Chamber’s monthly networking luncheon. $50 per person – Registration Link Coming Soon. Registration will be available on the Ascension Chamber of Commerce Website: www.ascensionchamber.com. A special panel discussion will focus on supplier opportunities and doing business with large and heavy industry firms.
Register Today to attend Ascension Small Business Week events, visit:
Small Business Startup Pitch Competition – Entrepreneurs are invited to compete in the Ascension Small Business Innovation Pitch Competition.
Grand Prize: $2,500 Cash – Sponsored by Ascension Credit Union. Additional prizes will help launch and grow the winning business.
Application Deadline: April 18, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Five finalists will advance to the live pitch event on May 8, 2026. Winners will be announced during Ascension Small Business Day on May 14. There is NO COST to enter the competition.
May 11–14, 2026
The Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension (MBECA) is proud to present Ascension Parish Small Business Week 2026, a four-day celebration dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, connect, and compete in today’s economy. This exciting week will feature FREE virtual certification workshops, specialized training sessions, and networking opportunities designed to help businesses access new procurement markets and industry partnerships.
May 12, 2026 10AM & May 13 5PM FREE Certification Workshops (Virtual via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7642306958…)
Learn how to become certified in major Louisiana economic development programs including Louisiana Department of Economic Development – Small & Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Program, Hudson Initiative, and the Veteran-Owned Small Business (VES) Program. These certifications provide access to powerful business resources such as procurement opportunities with government and industry, bonding assistance, business credit initiatives, rural business development programs, CEO roundtables and executive mentorship, contractor training through the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute (LCAI), and technical assistance and specialized business training.
Ascension Small Business Day – Thursday, May 14, 2026 Price Leblanc PACE Center (St. Anthony Drive – Gonzales, Louisiana)
7:00 AM – FREE Continental Breakfast – Sponsored by Vicious Biscuit
8:00 AM – Opening Program – Featuring speakers from MBECA and Louisiana Economic Development. This FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC event includes workshops on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity for Small Business, Supplier Procurement Opportunities, and Industry Networking.
Small Business / Big Business Connect – 10:30 AM –
A unique networking opportunity where small businesses can connect directly with large industry and procurement decision-makers to learn how to become suppliers.
Chamber Business Luncheon – Through a partnership with the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, attendees are invited to participate in the Chamber’s monthly networking luncheon. $50 per person – Registration Link Coming Soon. Registration will be available on the Ascension Chamber of Commerce Website: www.ascensionchamber.com. A special panel discussion will focus on supplier opportunities and doing business with large and heavy industry firms.
https://mbeca.org/events
Small Business Startup Pitch Competition – Entrepreneurs are invited to compete in the Ascension Small Business Innovation Pitch Competition.
Grand Prize: $2,500 Cash – Sponsored by Ascension Credit Union. Additional prizes will help launch and grow the winning business.
Application Deadline: April 18, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Five finalists will advance to the live pitch event on May 8, 2026. Winners will be announced during Ascension Small Business Day on May 14. There is NO COST to enter the competition.
Request an application: mbeca@mbeca.org
Stronger Together. Growing Forward.
Join us as we celebrate and support the entrepreneurs and small businesses that drive Ascension Parish’s economic growth.
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