The city of Lake Charles is partnering with Hancock Whitney Bank to launch Small Business Development Week and the area’s first Gator Tank Business Pitch competition. LCLaunch is more than a nod to the small local businesses that are the backbone of the economy.

The five-day event starts with a Small Business Help Roadshow on Monday, May 15, and ends with a legal clinic on Friday, May 19. In between, are 11 opportunities designed to meet the needs of the entrepreneurial spirited and the bottom-line focused – and it’s all free.

Kimberly Dellafosse, city of Lake Charles, said Gator Tank is similar to the TV show, “Shark Tank.” Judges are looking for the business owner with the best idea. The winner will receive $2,500.

Submissions are being accepted through Thursday, May 2. A panel of judges will score entries and finalists will be invited to present their pitch in person on Tuesday, May 15. The competition is open to individuals and teams, with a four-person max per team.

“It is the mom and pop businesses that give us our  flavor and unique character. We want to foster more of that and offer as much support as we can,” said Mayor Nic Hunter at the LC Launch press conference held Tuesday.

“When the small business community is vibrant, the whole area is vibrant,” said James Richard, Hancock Whitney. “Big industry survives because we have the supporting business and industry around it. The restaurants, the retail, those are the ones that we’re reaching out to with this program. We’re honored to be a part of this.”

In 2020, prior to the pandemic, the city was two weeks away from LCLaunch. Those plans had to be canceled until now. This isn’t the current administration’s first show of  support for local business owners.

Shop Safely LC spoke to the importance of shopping safely through pandemic outbreaks, according to Hunter. The Small Business Stabilization Fund used Federal Cares Act dollars to provide forgivable loans up to $5,000 to nearly 40 locally-owned businesses. “Some were at the brink of closing their doors,” Hunter said. Shop Local LC launched December 2020. This annual holiday season promotion challenges shoppers to purchase at least four holiday gifts from local businesses.

The following organizations are involved in making  LCLaunch power-packed with the right info, Louisiana Economic Development (LED), America’s Small Business Development Center, RESTORE Louisiana, the SEED Center Business Incubator, the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Southern University Law Center.

“Lake Charles has a bright future, but only if we seize the momentum and keep it going, if we encourage small businesses to thrive and encourage that entrepreneurial spirit. The best things happen when we’re working together and forming partnerships.”

Go to www.cityoflakecharles.com/LCLaunch. to see the schedule of events, submit a business idea to Gator Tank, or to find out more.