The City of Natchitoches plans to launch a new community-led initiative, the UpLift Natchitoches Entrepreneurship Program (UPNEP), to support local Natchitoches businesses within the next upcoming month.
The UPNEP initiative aims to support Natchitoches locals in turning business ideas into sustainable small businesses by offering support through education, funding and resources.
Nicole Gray, program funder, said the program is designed to help local residents turn ideas and side hustles into registered and revenue-ready small businesses, as well as strengthen early-stage businesses with scaling and growing to ensure long-term sustainability. UPNEP was created to offer support, training and resources to entrepreneurs. The program is built to transform ideas into registered small businesses and strengthen their long-term growth.
“Participants receive hands-on training, one-on-one coaching, templates and tools and accountability focused on business setup, operations, marketing, financial readiness and business plan creation,” Gray said. “The program culminates in the Roots to Revenue Pitch and Business Showcase, allowing graduates to compete for funding up to $7500 to establish or support a viable business.”
The program was built after years of Gray watching businesses face challenges and lack resources, ultimately working with entrepreneurs to give them a better opportunity to succeed.
“UPNEP was created because I’ve watched too many talented people with great ideas struggle, not from a lack of hustle, but from a lack of access, support and guidance,” she said. “When we invest in our local entrepreneurs, we’re not just building businesses, we’re building economic stability, pride and long-term opportunity right here in Natchitoches.”
Amber Beaudon, the owner of StoryBrew Coffee Cafe, said programs like UPLift Natchitoches could help address shortcomings if executed correctly by providing those resources and showing the realities of being a business owner. “It looks great on paper to say you’re a business owner,” Beaudon said, adding that it’s important to understand what it takes on the back end to keep that business going and sustainable.
Beaudon also shared the struggle against competing with big-name corporations and the funding that small businesses may not have access to. “One of the biggest challenges is reaching the local community, especially when you’re competing against larger corporations or name brands,” Beaudon mentioned. “Startup businesses don’t really qualify for business loans, so it’s hard to find funding. You also have to understand that you’re not going to make money right away. It’s usually a three to five-year process.”
UPNEP aims to address the needs in funding, support and education surrounding starting and operating a sustainable business. By having this as a resource, owners no longer have to face these challenges alone.
Scott Wysong, dean of the College of Business and Technology, said programs like UPNEP play a major role in strengthening Louisiana’s economy, which heavily relies on small businesses and entrepreneurs.
“People don’t realize how important entrepreneurship is to this region,” Wysong said. “In Louisiana, entrepreneurs and small family-owned businesses are really the backbone of the economy.”
Wysong also emphasized that many business owners underestimate the amount of time, money and persistence it takes to operate a business successfully. While some entrepreneurs begin as a side hustle, making the jump to becoming a full-time business owner requires significant risk and a long-term commitment.
“Entrepreneurs don’t realize how much time it takes, it never stops,” Wysong said. “Even if the business is closed, you’re still thinking about how to improve, expand or how to survive another month.”
He commented that anything that connects education with real-world application can help bridge the gaps entrepreneurs may face early on. A possible partnership between Northwestern State University of Louisiana and community programs can offer additional support for both students and business owners.
UPNEP provides a unique learning opportunity, giving students a connection to real-world experience. It will also give them the chance to attend networking events, collaboration groups and possible future seminars.
“As dean, one of my responsibilities is connecting our students with the business community,” Wysong said. “This gives students real-world experience they can’t get from a textbook.”
As the program begins to launch in the coming month, students, business leaders and Natchitoches residents are encouraged to get involved.
