The City of Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Port of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance will host the 2018 Business Summit and Showcase on Thursday, November 1, at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive.  The Expo and Showcase will take place in the Jean Lafitte Room from 5:30-8:00 p.m. and will feature vendor booth exhibits and WAITR Founder Chris Meaux will offer a keynote address.

“The goal of this event is to provide useful information to attendees about procurement and contracts, bonding and business marketing,” said Assistant City Administrator Kimberly Dellafosse. “We hope to spark entrepreneurism and offer insight and education with this one-stop-shop featuring many of the programs and initiatives that are available to small businesses and to provide excellent networking opportunities for businesses.” 

The Business Summit will address various relevant topics, and in addition to the keynote speaker, will include presentations from Jo Ann Lawrence (U.S. Small Business Administration), Asset Builders and Business Pitch Program.

The Summit will also provide a great opportunity for small and emerging contractors to improve their businesses in the area of the 4C’s of business – credit, capital, capacity, and credibility, which are four major areas of focus highly considered by project owners, banks, insurance, and surety companies. A review of various Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs will also be highlighted for attendees.

Finally, the Business Showcase will feature booths and opportunities for one-on-one discussions with industry representatives, banks, and purchasing agents, among many others.

To register for this free conference or receive information on sponsorship opportunities, please email earl.edwards@cityoflc.us or call 491-1392. For more information, please contact Earl Edwards, City of Lake Charles DBE/SBOP Coordinator, at 491-1392.

Download the Expo Sponsor Packet and Flyer by Clicking Here