Boost an online or brick and mortar  business. Start a new business. The city of Lake Charles has a full slate of presentations to make it happen during Launch: Small Business Development Week, Oct. 20-26.

Through LC Launch, the city of Lake Charles seeks to celebrate the contributions of small businesses to our local economy, said Kimberly Dellafosse, Assistant City Administrator. These programmed activities and workshops can help fortify the small business ecosystem that exists here.”

Even the kids can take part this year. Sunday, Oct. 20 at Drew Park, the Acton Academy and the City of Lake Charles will host Logo Design for Kids.

“This workshop is a fun and creative way of introducing aspiring ‘kid-preneurs’ to the concept of entrepreneurship and building their own business brand,” Dellafosse said.

Business owners are invited to a Canva Design Workshop 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21. Later that day Dr. John Noble, co-founder of Quick Take Health, will talk about The Convergence of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Burton Business Center at McNeese State University, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Content Creators are invited to a networking Event, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at Historic City Hall.

Tuesday, Oct. 22, is the CEO Roundtable, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. at Lake Charles City Council Chambers. Hear from Ricki Patel, local McDonald’s franchise owner. Find out how to get a local business on Google Search and Maps at the Seed Center, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., show up for a cocktail hour dedicated to love. Love Your City at Central School. The City of Lake Charles and SWLA Arts and Humanities Council will tie together content creation, promoting the city, promoting local businesses and launching new ones.

Wednesday, Oct. 23 – Friday, Oct. 25

The Student Entrepreneur Academy is set for 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Seed Center on Wednesday. HIgh school students that applied and were selected will receive a business start-up kit. Tech Night for Business Owners is 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the T-Mobile Store, 3505 Derek Drive.

Thursday, Oct. 24, 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. is The Path to Funding: How to Qualify for a Business Loan workshop at the SEED Center. Everyone will want to see the Gator Tank Business Pitch Competition 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Lake Charles Event Center. This is the city’s take on Shark Tank. Dellafosse said more competitors are signed up for this year’s pitch to win prize money funded by Hancock Whitney Bank.

Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the Doing Business with Local Government and Affiliates presentation will wrap up the week’s events.

“We recognize the role entrepreneurship plays in driving innovation, economic development and quality of life,” Dellafosse said. “So it is Mayor Hunter and his administration’s ongoing commitment to implement programming that supports both aspiring and current entrepreneurs.”