McNeese Offers Free September Business
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University is hosting free workshops in September 2026 on topics including AI tools
The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at McNeese State University is hosting a series of free workshops for business owners and new entrepreneurs throughout September 2026. The sessions will cover planning, marketing, financial tools, and access to capital.
These events are designed to provide practical support. They range from online webinars to in-person meetings in Lake Charles and DeRidder. Registration is handled through the LSBDC website.
Workshop Schedule and Topics
The LSBDC has scheduled six specific events for the month. The lineup includes sessions focused on year-end strategy, veteran entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and business financing.
| Date | Event Title | Format | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1, 2026 | Finish the Year Strong: Your Q4 Plan | Online | Business Planning |
| Sept. 2, 2026 | PAVE: Finding Your Customers and Market Opportunity | Online | Veteran Entrepreneurship |
| Sept. 9, 2026 | PAVE: Marketing Your Business: Reaching the Right Customers | Online | Veteran Entrepreneurship |
| Sept. 9, 2026 | AI Agents for Small Business Efficiency | DeRidder | Technology |
| Sept. 16, 2026 | PAVE: Financial Planning for Your Business | Online | Veteran Entrepreneurship |
| Sept. 17, 2026 | Capitalize 2026: Funding Your Small Business | Lake Charles | Access to Capital |
Support for Veteran Entrepreneurs
A significant portion of the September series is dedicated to the PAVE program, which stands for Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs. Three separate online sessions are scheduled for this initiative. They will guide veterans through identifying market opportunities, developing marketing strategies, and creating financial plans for their businesses.
This specialized support highlights a targeted effort to aid veteran-owned small businesses. The LSBDC is running these sessions at no cost to participants.
Technology and Funding Focus
Two notable standalone events address contemporary business challenges. The AI Agents for Small Business Efficiency workshop will be held in person in DeRidder on September 9. It aims to show business owners how artificial intelligence can streamline operations.
Later in the month, the Capitalize 2026: Funding Your Small Business event in Lake Charles will tackle the critical issue of access to capital. This in-person session is designed to help entrepreneurs understand funding options.
Registration and Accessibility
Interested individuals must register online through the Louisiana SBDC website. The process involves visiting the site, selecting Services, and then choosing View Calendar to find and sign up for the events.
For questions, the LSBDC at McNeese can be contacted by phone or email. The center states that all programs are open to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis and are supported by federal funding.
The university also provides accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Requests must be made to McNeese's Office of Campus Compliance and Civility at least 72 hours before an event. Contact information for this office includes a phone number, a fax number, and an email address.
