Shreveport Takes Steps to Support Small Businesses
Shreveport is on a mission to support small businesses and ease the process of doing business within the city. Mayor Tom Arceneaux is spearheading this initiative as part of his campaign promise to streamline regulations and enhance the business environment.
Formation of the Small Business Task Force
Last year, the mayor established a Small Business Task Force chaired by Dr. Tim Magner, who leads the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce. The task force’s goal is to find solutions for improving the business climate, focusing on permitting, development, and zoning.
Recently, the task force held four roundtable discussions where local business owners shared their experiences and perspectives on navigating city regulations. Each session saw around 15 participants sharing valuable insights.
Upcoming Report from the Institute for Justice
The Institute for Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting individual rights, is compiling the findings from these roundtable discussions. Mayor Arceneaux plans to review a draft of the report, expected around early October, before moving forward with implementation of the suggested improvements.
The mayor expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “All of their consulting work on this task force is free of charge. I have expertise, and it doesn’t cost us anything. That’s a real positive.”
Progress on the G-Unit Studios Deal
In addition to improving business processes, the Arceneaux administration is also working on a lease agreement with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit Studios for the Stageworks building on Clyde Fant Parkway. The venue recently hosted a celebrity basketball tournament during the Humor & Harmony Festival, showcasing its potential for community engagement.
The Stageworks building, undergoing renovations since 2022 with a budget of $4 million, is on track for use as a creative space for local artists and events. Plans to move forward with the lease, initially postponed, are now back on the table as focus shifts from recent festival activities.
Exploring Solutions for Downtown Vacancies
The administration is also taking into account community feedback regarding vacant properties in downtown Shreveport. Mayor Arceneaux acknowledged that some innovative suggestions have come from the public, and he aims to transform these concepts into actionable plans in the near future.
Utility Issues in Downtown Shreveport
While not directly a city matter, the mayor has addressed concerns surrounding the Regions Bank buildings, where SWEPCO issued a notice to cut power due to unpaid bills. Arceneaux voiced support for tenants, advocating for time to find a solution and emphasizing the importance of ensuring business continuity for those operating in the affected buildings.
As Shreveport shapes its business landscape, the concerted efforts by the local government aim to create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship, ultimately benefiting the wider community.
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.
