News Summary
Shreveport has launched a new Economic Development One-Stop-Shop website aimed at assisting individuals looking to start or grow businesses. Announced by Mayor Tom Arceneaux, the platform centralizes essential information on permits, licensing, and more while simplifying processes for entrepreneurs. Developed in-house, the site reflects the city’s commitment to a business-friendly environment and will evolve based on user feedback to better serve the community.
Shreveport has officially launched its new Economic Development One-Stop-Shop website to assist individuals looking to start or grow a business in the city. Announced by Mayor Tom Arceneaux on Tuesday, June 3, this resource aims to streamline the often complex and confusing process associated with business operations.
The website serves as a centralized hub, providing business owners with essential information regarding permits, licensing, zoning, site selection, and available incentives. It also includes checklists specifically tailored for opening various types of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, home-based operations, and food trucks.
Developed in-house by the city’s Economic Development and Information Technology teams, the project was executed at a minimal cost to taxpayers. This decision reflects the city’s commitment to being more welcoming to businesses while also promoting efficiency in local governance.
Mayor Arceneaux has emphasized that the website showcases Shreveport’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment by reducing bureaucratic confusion. The One-Stop-Shop symbolizes a cultural shift within the city’s governance focusing on support rather than regulation, presenting a more approachable framework for entrepreneurs.
The platform features simplified guides for individuals looking to start a business, alongside updated timelines for permitting processes. As the site continues to evolve, more resources will be added based on user feedback, ensuring that it remains a valuable tool for the community.
Economic Development Director Bill Sabo highlighted that the website is designed to be dynamic, meaning it will consistently incorporate enhancements and updates as required. Local businesses and partners are encouraged to utilize and promote this new resource to benefit the wider entrepreneurial community.
To further assist in navigating complex processes, the website aims to simplify elements such as alcoholic beverage licensing and the Unified Development Code. Ongoing improvements are planned to ensure these processes are as transparent and user-friendly as possible.
The introduction of the One-Stop-Shop responds directly to an earlier report by Cities Work in 2024, which identified the necessity of a comprehensive resource to ease the challenges faced by individuals looking to launch new enterprises in Shreveport. Local business owner Bob Thames voiced his approval of the initiative, noting the demand for such a resource among entrepreneurs in the area.
Overall, the One-Stop-Shop represents Shreveport’s ongoing commitment to reducing barriers related to paperwork and regulation, ultimately creating a more inviting and supportive atmosphere for business development.
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Additional Resources
- KTAL News: West Shreveport Residents Support New Business Development
- KSLA News: Shreveport Launches One-Stop Shop Website
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Caddo Parish Industrial Development
- Shreveport Times: Shreveport Launches Website for Business Growth
- News Journal: Greater Shreveport Chamber Honors Minority Business Leaders
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- Google Search: Shreveport business development
- Google Scholar: Business Resources Development Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Development
- Google News: Shreveport Business News
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.
