Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP)

Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP)

Funder: BRF (Biomedical Research Foundation of Louisiana) in partnership with Caddo Parish Commission and City of Shreveport

Geographic Scope: Shreveport and North Louisiana region

Program Type: Long-term economic development initiative providing business development and funding support

Program Overview

• Public/private partnership launched 2+ years prior to 2023 reporting
• Comprehensive business development and funding support system
• Analyzes viability of entrepreneurial ideas and products
• Matches entrepreneurs with informed investors
• Provides nurturing support through critical market-entry steps

Mission

Create jobs and expand local and regional tax base through systematic vetting of business ideas, investor matching, and entrepreneurial support

Services Provided

• Business plan creation and refinement
• Product development assistance
• Financial analysis and modeling
• Market analysis and industry research
• Funding opportunity identification (banks, grants, angel investors)
• Daily entrepreneur vetting and consultation
• Long-term development support for portfolio companies

Performance Metrics (as of reporting date)

#### Screening Activity

157 startups screened in one fiscal year (Jan 1 - Sept 30)

347 total startups and business ideas screened since inception

Direct services provided to 120+ companies

#### Portfolio Performance

24 companies under active contract

66 local jobs created by portfolio companies

Annual payroll contribution: $4+ million

Investment attracted: $42+ million from angel investors, grants, and banks

116.7% over goal metrics for funding acquisition

35% over goal metrics for job creation

#### Success Examples

Swaybox Studios: Founders Theresa Andersson and Arthur Mintz; EAP client since November 2014; grew from concept to studio with 20+ employees; planned expansion in Shreveport

Target Audience

• Entrepreneurs and startup founders
• Business idea creators
• Small business owners seeking growth support and funding

Eligibility

• Businesses/ideas located in North Louisiana (Shreveport area)
• Viable business concepts and products
• Entrepreneurs seeking development support and/or funding

Leadership

• Executive Director: Dave Smith
• Team of financial analysts providing development support

Contact Information

• Related initiatives: www.brfla.org
• Partnership agencies: Caddo Parish Commission, City of Shreveport

Related Programs

• New Louisiana Angel Fund 1 (NLAF 1): $2.6 million fund; closed 2016 with 10 companies funded
• New Louisiana Angel Fund 2 (NLAF 2): $3+ million fund launched May 2018; 60+ accredited investors; invests in high-growth startups
• Angel Investment Sidecars: Individual investors can make additional investments beyond fund participation

Comparative Context

Performance exceeds similar programs in Tech Columbus, Ohio, and other U.S. cities during comparable operational periods