Photograph by Freddie Herpin
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Federal and local financial assistance programs currently available for Opelousas-area business owners were unveiled Wednesday morning during a series of economic-focused presentations at the Civic Center.
Sponsored by the Downtown Development District, the program introduced numerous rural grant and loan programs offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture in addition to financial assistance from representatives of area lending institutions.
ODDD executive director Lena Charles said the organization has launched a citywide economic initiative that indicates that “Opelousas is open for business.”
Charles added that the program on Wednesday was directed primarily towards helping downtown business owners receive loans and grants that could help revitalize the area that she said currently has 65 vacant commercial buildings.
The USDA, Charles said, is an especially important source for rural community financing, since officials at the federal agency have a variety of resources that will assist entrepreneurs with business growth.
USDA representatives Whey McGrew and Eddie Thompson each presented different aspects of the loan and grant initiatives provided by the agency for businesses and agriculture.
The federal government, MeGrew said, is especially interested in providing funding for business programs that feature renewable energy projects such as solar power and lighting that affect businesses.
McGrew said the numerous partnered funding programs offered by the USDA are sufficient enough for a community to build from “under the ground up.”
Thompson emphasized that municipal and unincorporated entities also have the opportunity to cash in on money available from the USDA.
“These types of community programs are what can help drive economic development,” Thompson added.
Thompson said government agencies routinely apply for funding grants for infrastructure, roads and broadband improvement.
Other Sources For Financial Assistance
McGrew said USDA officials work closely with the small business development representatives at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, which he said offers free business consulting information.
Catalyst Bank president-CEO Joe Zanco and Shelly Fontenot representing St. Landry Bank marketing, said that area businesses have at least five local banks that are available to present financial advice.
Zanco said partnering with local financial institutions is important, since the revenues received by businesses remain in the community.
What’s Scheduled For Opelousas Development
Bill Rodier, executive director for the St. Landry Parish Economic Development group, said Opelousas should be prepared to experience “a tidal wave” of economic growth during the next 12 months.
In addition to the businesses which have already located around the Guilbeau Road exit at Interstate 49, Rodier said there are additional enterprises — medical and commercial – that have indicated they plan to begin construction.
Within the next few months Rodier said that a major residential housing project located off Guilbeau Road is scheduled to start. The homes in that prospective subdivision, Rodier said, will be priced at $245,000 or more.
Rodier also indicated that closer to Opelousas, there will soon by Chick-fil-a ,Checkers and Whataburger fast food restaurants. In part of the former Stage building, Rodier said that a Hobby Lobby outlet will soon begin operation.
