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

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

How to Apply

1. Startup Screening
- Submit business idea or startup concept for initial vetting
- Meet with EAP financial analysts to discuss viability
- Undergo assessment of business concept and market potential

2. Direct Services Application
- If selected, qualify for EAP portfolio services
- Receive business plan development or refinement support
- Participate in financial analysis and modeling

3. Funding Support
- EAP team identifies funding opportunities specific to your business
- Assistance with angel investor connections
- Guidance on grant applications and bank financing

4. Ongoing Portfolio Support
- Portfolio companies receive long-term development assistance
- Regular meetings with EAP leadership
- Market guidance and strategic support

Contact Information

• Executive Director: Dave Smith
• Contact: Through BRF website (www.brfla.org) or Caddo Parish Commission/City of Shreveport partnership offices
• Location: Shreveport

Key Points

• Daily meetings available for entrepreneur vetting
• No specific application deadline mentioned; rolling intake
• Focus on locally-based North Louisiana businesses