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Council approves Smart Start business-development agreement for DeRidder Main Street
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance to enter a professional-services agreement with Smart Start Business Development LLC to provide one-on-one mentoring to downtown businesses; program cost is $15,000 upfront with expected reimbursement at program end and slots for eight businesses.
Representatives of Greater Main Street explained to the council that DeRidder was selected as a pilot community in the Louisiana Main Street program and that Smart Start Business Development LLC will provide long-term planning, financial review, marketing, and one-on-one mentoring for eight downtown businesses at a $15,000 upfront cost that the city would be reimbursed for at program completion. A representative said the vendor provides a "navigator" digital platform and workshops, and attendees would gain access to online tools tailored to Louisiana business law and local demographics.
Council members asked about measurable outcomes and reimbursement; the presenter pointed to case studies and success in other Louisiana communities and noted that if downtown businesses succeeded, the wider downtown economy would benefit. The ordinance was adopted by roll call.
