Shreveport Initiates Measures to Foster Small Businesses and Enhance Local Business Environment

Shreveport Takes Steps to Support Small Businesses

Shreveport is on a mission to support small businesses and ease the process of doing business within the city. Mayor Tom Arceneaux is spearheading this initiative as part of his campaign promise to streamline regulations and enhance the business environment.

Formation of the Small Business Task Force

Last year, the mayor established a Small Business Task Force chaired by Dr. Tim Magner, who leads the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. The task force’s goal is to find solutions for improving the business climate, focusing on permitting, development, and zoning.

Recently, the task force held four roundtable discussions where local business owners shared their experiences and perspectives on navigating city regulations. Each session saw around 15 participants sharing valuable insights.

Upcoming Report from the Institute for Justice

The Institute for Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting individual rights, is compiling the findings from these roundtable discussions. Mayor Arceneaux plans to review a draft of the report, expected around early October, before moving forward with implementation of the suggested improvements.

The mayor expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “All of their consulting work on this task force is free of charge. I have expertise, and it doesn’t cost us anything. That’s a real positive.”

Progress on the G-Unit Studios Deal

In addition to improving business processes, the Arceneaux administration is also working on a lease agreement with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit Studios for the Stageworks building on Clyde Fant Parkway. The venue recently hosted a celebrity basketball tournament during the Humor & Harmony Festival, showcasing its potential for community engagement.

The Stageworks building, undergoing renovations since 2022 with a budget of $4 million, is on track for use as a creative space for local artists and events. Plans to move forward with the lease, initially postponed, are now back on the table as focus shifts from recent festival activities.

Exploring Solutions for Downtown Vacancies

The administration is also taking into account community feedback regarding vacant properties in downtown Shreveport. Mayor Arceneaux acknowledged that some innovative suggestions have come from the public, and he aims to transform these concepts into actionable plans in the near future.

Utility Issues in Downtown Shreveport

While not directly a city matter, the mayor has addressed concerns surrounding the Regions Bank buildings, where SWEPCO issued a notice to cut power due to unpaid bills. Arceneaux voiced support for tenants, advocating for time to find a solution and emphasizing the importance of ensuring business continuity for those operating in the affected buildings.

As Shreveport shapes its business landscape, the concerted efforts by the local government aim to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship, ultimately benefiting the wider community.