News Summary
Shreveport has launched its Economic Development One-Stop Shop website, aiming to assist individuals in starting or growing businesses. Mayor Tom Arceneaux highlighted the site as a resource hub providing information on permits, licensing, zoning, and business incentives. The initiative seeks to simplify the entrepreneurial process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles in business operations, responding to local business community needs for clearer information and streamlined access to resources.
Shreveport Launches Economic Development One-Stop Shop Website
Shreveport has introduced the Economic Development One-Stop Shop website on June 3, 2025, aimed at simplifying the process for individuals looking to start or grow businesses in the area. Mayor Tom Arceneaux highlighted this initiative as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to attract and support new businesses.
Centralized Hub for Business Operations
The new website serves as a comprehensive resource hub, providing essential information regarding permits, licensing, zoning, site selection, and available business incentives. Additionally, it offers checklists tailored for various types of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, home-based businesses, and food trucks. This centralized approach aims to reduce confusion and streamline the administrative process that often hinders new entrepreneurs.
Cost-Effective Development
The one-stop shop website was developed in-house by the city’s Economic Development and Information Technology teams, a move that was designed to save taxpayer dollars while efficiently addressing the needs of the business community. The initiative directly responds to a report published by Cities Work in 2024, which identified numerous barriers that local businesses face, such as unclear information and inaccessible documentation.
Ongoing Commitment to Improvement
Tasked with addressing the challenges outlined in the Cities Work report, Economic Development Director Bill Sabo is leading efforts to ensure that the new online platform is continuously updated and improved. He plans to make further enhancements to minimize bureaucratic red tape, including eliminating unnecessary documentation requirements, such as the notarized affidavit for certain business types.
Shift Toward Supportive Governance
The one-stop shop initiative represents a significant shift in Shreveport’s approach to business operations, moving away from strictly regulatory processes towards a more supportive framework. This change is intended to foster an entrepreneurial environment where business owners can navigate the necessary steps with greater ease.
Encouragement for Community Feedback
In a bid to continually refine the website and its offerings, the city is welcoming feedback from local businesses and organizations. This collaborative approach aims to ensure the platform meets the evolving needs of Shreveport’s business community, encouraging a culture of inclusivity and modernization in city operations.
Reactions from the Business Community
Local business owner Bob Thames, co-owner of Single Source Business Solutions, expressed positive sentiments about the launch of the new website. Thames had previously engaged in discussions with Sabo regarding the necessity of a centralized resource to assist entrepreneurs. The introduction of this one-stop shop is seen as a promising step toward enhancing the business landscape in Shreveport.
Continuous Updates Ahead
The Shreveport Economic Development team will keep the website updated with additional resources for both prospective and existing business owners. This ensures that the platform remains relevant and effective, providing guidance and support in a rapidly evolving economic environment.
The establishment of the Economic Development One-Stop Shop website signals Shreveport’s dedication to facilitating business growth and operational efficiency, ultimately contributing to the prosperity of the local economy.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Shreveport Launches One-Stop Shop Website
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- KTBS News: City of Shreveport Launches Economic Development Website
- Google Search: Shreveport Economic Development
- Shreveport Times: Shreveport Launches Website to Support Business Growth
- Google Scholar: Shreveport Economic Development
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Economic Developer Named Best 40 Under 40
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shreveport
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
