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.

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