Louisiana
Louisiana Small Business Development Center’s director shares about impact on local economy
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The Louisiana Small Business Development Center is an organization that provides resources for those looking to get into the business world.
Virendra Chhikara says starting a small business is not easy, but the LSBDC works to help businesses overcome the challenges they may face.
“When you start a business or you’re growing a business, you’re looking for blind spots, so you do not know those areas where you will fumble. When you’re running a business, you are handling too many things, the service the Louisiana Small Business Development Center provides, helps you to understand or navigate through those challenges,” says Chhikara.
There are several success stories from businesses who have used the LSBDC’s services. Chhikara says when small businesses are successful, they have a positive impact on the local economy.
“The biggest impact is wonderful when there are jobs created, when a business starts, when there is more capital infusion into the local economy through expansion,” says Chhikara.
Chhikara says those expansions include a local Zaxby’s franchise.
With technology advancing quickly, Chhikara says it can be difficult for small businesses to adapt, but it is not something that should be neglected.
“One of the biggest challenges in this community is adapting or adopting technology. The world is changing at a fast pace. If you have seen, AI is being integrated into the workforce, into businesses, and you cannot just say, ‘Oh, I will change when the time comes.’ No, this is the time—you have to change now,” says Chhikara.
If you would like to use the LSBDC for your small business, Chhikara says you can visit the organization’s website to make an appointment.
Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
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When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
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