Louisiana Economic Development (LED) is set to hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 1:30pm to discuss a recent micro loan program aimed at bolstering small businesses across the state. The hearing will provide an opportunity for public input on the proposed initiative, which officials say is a key component of Governor Jeff Landry’s broader strategy to foster economic growth and innovation in Louisiana.
The micro loan program is intended to provide access to capital for entrepreneurs and small business owners who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois has emphasized the importance of supporting these businesses, stating that they are the engine of job creation and economic diversification in Louisiana. This initiative builds upon recent economic successes in the state, including Hyundai Steel’s nearly $6 billion steel mill investment in Ascension Parish, which was named the top development project of 2025, marking the first time Louisiana has earned back-to-back “Platinum Deal of the Year” honors according to LED.
Details of the Public Hearing
The public hearing will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 1:30pm. The specific location was not provided in the available source materials. Details regarding the program itself, including loan amounts, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, are expected to be discussed during the hearing. LED is encouraging interested parties to attend and provide feedback.
This program comes as Louisiana continues to experience positive economic momentum. In 2025, the state saw historic levels of investment, with significant projects like the expansion of SLB’s Shreveport footprint to support global digital infrastructure, creating an estimated 1,344 jobs as reported by LED, and Saronic Technologies’ $300 million investment in the Franklin Shipyard, projected to create 3,200 jobs according to LED. These investments demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing key industries and attracting new businesses to the state.
Focus on Small Business Growth
The micro loan program is part of a larger effort by LED to elevate existing Louisiana businesses. The agency plans to conduct “economic stewardship visits” with at least 800 “driver companies” annually, according to a plan outlined in March and dubbed “Nine by Ninety,” in recognition of LED’s 90th anniversary next year as reported by NOLA.com. This initiative aims to understand the challenges faced by these businesses and provide targeted support to help them grow and thrive.
LED is also focused on attracting new investment and growing existing businesses in fast-growing sectors like technology and life sciences, while continuing to support legacy industries such as energy and manufacturing. The agency is working to create a database of Louisiana businesses to connect out-of-state companies with local vendors, launch a media campaign to promote the state’s economic opportunities, and recruit C-suite executives to serve as LED advisors according to NOLA.com.
Looking ahead, Louisiana is projected to add 74,500 jobs (+3.7%) over 2026-27, surpassing 2,000,000 total jobs this year and continuing that growth into 2027 according to a Louisiana Economic Forecast. The success of the micro loan program, and the broader economic development strategy, will be crucial in achieving these ambitious goals.
The public is encouraged to attend the hearing on April 2nd and share their thoughts on how best to support small businesses and drive economic growth in Louisiana. Further details about the hearing, including the location, can be found on the Louisiana Economic Development website. Share your thoughts on this initiative in the comments below.
