Grant program available for small businesses

The SWLA Economic Development Alliance and The Chamber SWLA announce the SWLA Alliance “Pathway to Small Business Recovery” Grant Program.

Made possible by a $150,000 seed grant from the Sempra Energy Foundation, the grant program will provide immediate cash assistance to struggling small businesses in Southwest Louisiana with less than 25 employees. The grant coverage area includes Calcasieu & Cameron Parishes.
“The purpose of this program is to help hurricane impacted businesses have some quick funding, so they can get back in business”, said George Swift, President/CEO of the Alliance. “We are very appreciative that the Sempra Energy Foundation and Cameron LNG realize that these struggling businesses need help,” continued Swift.

Sempra LNG is the majority owner of Cameron LNG, a liquefaction facility located just outside of Hackberry straddling the boundary between Calcasieu and Cameron Parish.

“Our hearts are with everyone impacted by the recent hurricanes in the Gulf Coast area and we’re proud to support Alliance SWLA’s program to help small businesses as they work to recover and rebuild,” said Lisa Alexander, president of the Sempra Energy Foundation. “We are committed to strengthening the communities where we operate and this program will do just that by supporting the people of Southwest Louisiana.”

According to Swift, Cameron LNG also stepped up to support the Alliance’s administration of the grant program with a separate donation.

Stevie Trahan, Cameron LNG External Affairs Manager, said “Cameron LNG is proud to join with our partner and its Foundation, to support this vital initiative to help the SWLA Alliance support small business recovery.”

The application process is simple. A one-page application is on the SWLA Alliance website (www.allianceswla.org/Pathway) and also available at The SEED Center (4310 Ryan Street in Lake Charles) between 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday thru Friday.

To apply, each applicant must be able to provide documentation of the following:

  1. The company has been in business for two years
  2. have less than 25 employees,
  3. and how they plan to use the grant.
  4. Fifty Grants of $3,000 will be available. Deadline for the application is November 30.

“We are hopeful that other organizations will help us meet this tremendous need and provide additional funds, so this program can continue,” said Swift.