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
•  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 for Lunch: Register Here for Lunch

A special panel discussion will focus on supplier opportunities and doing business with
large and heavy industry firms.

Join us as we celebrate and support the entrepreneurs and small businesses that drive
Ascension Parish’s economic growth.

Successful LED Peer-to-Peer Learning Initiative Helps Companies and their Leaders Grow

GONZALES, LA. – The recruitment process has started for the Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension’s Small and Emerging Business Development Roundtables program, the innovative peer-to-peer learning program that brings small and emerging business leaders together for a yearlong experience of collaborative learning, problem solving and professional development.
 
The program is based on the PeerSpectives Roundtable System developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation and considered a nationwide best practice. Participation is open to both current and prospective SEBD program participants. The roundtables convene in August; each cohort meets 10 times throughout the year to explore best practices, share business challenges and brainstorm solutions in a supportive environment.
 
“SEBD Roundtables provide Louisiana’s strong small business community with the opportunity to collaborate and address the challenges that arise while starting and building a business,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “The roundtable setting creates a space for entrepreneurs to strengthen leadership skills and grow their network. I encourage current SEBD participants and other small and emerging business owners to take full advantage.”
 
Through group discussions, small business leaders work collaboratively to enhance management skills, improve decision-making, and identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
 
See what our SEBD Roundtable Champion, Chief of Minds, CEO, Lakeisha Robichaux has to say about the program by clicking here.

 
For more information on SEBD Roundtables, contact Lee Melancon at 225.445.1383 or by email at mbeca@mbeca.org. Additionally, all applicants must be certified through the Small and Emerging Business Development Program to access these resources and numerous other free services. Click here to begin the process.
 
About MBECA

The Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension (MBECA) is a small business development center which offers a variety of specialized training and technical assistance programs to individuals interested in starting a business, improving an existing business, or gaining management training to improve their marketability in the workplace.

MBECA was founded in 2003 to provide economic development through managerial, technical, and entrepreneurship training and specialized assistance for micro businesses of Ascension, St. James, Iberville, and Assumption Parishes. The mission of MBECA is to inspire economic development through entrepreneurship and small business development. The program accepts applicants statewide.

May 17, 2024 | 7:30am PRICE LEBLANC PACE CENTER 2824 St Anthony Ave, Gonzales

Speakers, Exhibits & Lunch ($10)

Event Schedule

7:30am Meet Over Muffins

8:00am Opening

8:15am Steps to Do Business with the State, Orhan Mc Millan

8:45am Exhibit Viewing / Networking

9am Stephanie Hartman, LED Small Business Services

9:45am Exhibit Viewing / Networking 10am Brenda Guess, State of Small Business (SSBCI)

11:00am Exhibit Viewing & CROSS SELLING

11:30am Nancy Landry, Secretary of State & Lunch

12:45pm Closing Announcements

For more information, call (225) 445-1383 or email mbeca@mbeca.org

Sponsored by:

Participants will delve into the strategic integration of AI technologies, including natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning, to revolutionize content creation workflows. By

leveraging AI-driven tools and platforms, businesses can automate repetitive tasks, generate insights, and personalize content at scale, thereby enhancing efficiency, creativity, and audience engagement while reducing costs and time-to-market.

Register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-for-marketing-content-creation-workshop-tickets-879791749807?aff=oddtdtcreator to receive your zoom link!

All Participants Must Be Certified in the LED Small & Emerging Business Development Program. To get SEBD Certification, visit mbeca.org/certified/

MBECA Celebrates 20 Years of Starting and Growing New Businesses in the Capitol Region

GONZALES, LA. – The Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension (MBECA) is celebrating 20 years  of starting and growing small businesses in the Capitol Region by launching its new brand and call for board members.

MBECA was founded in 2003 to provide economic development through managerial, technical, and entrepreneurship training and specialized assistance for micro businesses of Ascension, St. James, Iberville, and Assumption Parishes although the program has assisted firms from across the State of Louisiana. The mission of MBECA is to inspire economic development through entrepreneurship and small business development. 

The Microbusiness Enterprise Corporation of Ascension (MBECA) is a small business development center which offers a variety of specialized training and technical assistance programs to individuals interested in starting a business, improving an existing business, or gaining management training to improve their marketability in the workplace.

“The renewed emphasis for the brand revolves around the organizations interest in starting and growing minority and veteran owned businesses with an emphasis on disabled veterans and owners who are culturally and ethnically underserved,” said Lee Melancon, Executive Director for MBECA. “The brand features the ‘Spirit of the American Dream’ where people of all demographic backgrounds can have their dreams of owning a business come true,” he said.

MBECA is in its strategic planning process and is currently seeking board members to fill vacant spots with emphasis on minority and veteran owned entrepreneurs. MBECA is also the annual host of the Ascension Parish Small Business Power Week and will be collaborating with local municipalities, Ascension Economic Development Corporation, the Ascension Chamber of Commerce, the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Economic Development and others to host free seminars and speakers from around the region to assist with LED, 8A, DBE, WBE and other small firm certifications, procurement opportunities, access to capital and technical and credit worthiness as part of its program. It will also once again feature its Small Business Power Day, a day which focuses primarily on women in business, minority, and veteran owned businesses.
For more information on MBECA, contact Lee Melancon at 225.445.1383 or by email at mbeca@mbeca.org. To get certified as an MBECA Program through the Small and Emerging Business Development Program, Hudson and VES Initiatives, interested applicants should click here to begin the process.