Application Period Opens For CEO Roundtables

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Economic Development opened the application period today for CEO Roundtables, a popular peer program through which executives may explore business challenges with each other under the guidance of an experienced facilitator. The application period will be Feb. 1 through March 31 for roundtables beginning July 2017. Interested small business executives may apply and learn more at OpportunityLouisiana.com/CEO-Roundtables.

Launched in 2014 to help established small businesses grow revenue and jobs, LED’s regional CEO Roundtables convene 15 to 18 qualified key decision-makers from the pool of applicant businesses. Participants meet 10 times for peer-to-peer learning, business networking and support in the yearlong program. Collaborative and growth-oriented, the meetings support a trusting environment in which executives explore business and personal solutions that spur business growth.

“The CEO Roundtable program is a vital part of strengthening Louisiana’s economy and creating an environment more conducive to collaboration and growth,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “The roundtables offer strategic support for entrepreneurs and affirm our commitment to expand initiatives for small businesses across the state. We have so many talented and visionary business leaders in the state of Louisiana. By growing our small businesses, residents all across Louisiana will benefit, and business leaders will be able to hire more dedicated employees at an accelerated rate.”

Participants from a range of industries come together each session to discuss a designated topic determined by the interests of the group. Topics in current and past roundtables have included marketing, strategic planning, operational efficiency, organizational structure, delegation and cybersecurity.

“LED is committed to enhancing and expanding the CEO Roundtable initiative,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “I have had the privilege of personally witnessing the roundtables and their benefits to participating companies. The roundtables help ensure that our business leaders have access to the resources they need to continue growing, but at an accelerated pace. This program seeks to help successful entrepreneurs get to the next level more quickly and add additional well-paying jobs, because the strength of Louisiana’s small businesses is key to our economic growth.”

Roundtable participants typically operate high-growth companies with annual revenue of $600,000 to $50 million and employment of five to 99 people. Each yearlong roundtable consists of 10 half-day sessions moderated by an experienced facilitator. Discussions are structured to provide participants with timely advice on issues they’re facing or are preparing to face. 

Roundtable settings allow peer executives to share their company experiences openly, so participants may benefit from each other’s achievements and lessons learned.

Roundtables are underway in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, Ruston and Shreveport. Depending on demand, LED may expand the program in July to include Alexandria, Lake Charles and Houma.

To learn more about CEO Roundtables or other LED small business programs, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com/Small-Business or contact Chris Cassagne at (225) 342-5882.