Entrepreneurs and small-business owners understand that customer acquisition fuels growth and success. However, to thrive in the long run, you need to keep those customers. That’s why mapping the customer journey from acquisition to retention is essential.  By understanding customer touch points and how people interact with your business, you can identify opportunities to improve their experience, build loyalty and ultimately turn customers into lifelong advocates.  Learn how to map the customer journey, uncover key customer insights and move customers from initial transactions to va ..read more

Whether you’re a growing startup or looking to expand an existing business, Nexus Louisiana has curated valuable startup resources in Louisiana to support you on your entrepreneurial journey.  From funding opportunities and mentorship programs to business development tools and networking events, this roundup of local startup resources will help Louisiana entrepreneurs and small-business owners find the coaching, capital, connections and other resources they need to thrive.  Learn more about available resources that can unlock your entrepreneurial potential in the vibrant state of Lou ..read more

Starting a business isn’t easy. The relentless pursuit of goals, the constant pressure to innovate and the never-ending demands of running a business can take a toll on even the most resilient individuals — often leading to entrepreneur burnout. In even the most successful startups, burnout can stop you in your tracks. But by acknowledging and addressing burnout head-on, entrepreneurs can regain their energy and enthusiasm and build a sustainable foundation for long-term success. If you’re an entrepreneur feeling the weight of burnout or simply looking to prevent it, explore the path to reclai ..read more

Winning a pitch competition isn’t just a trophy on the shelf: it’s a springboard to elevate your business ideas and personal growth. The opportunity to pitch your business offers several benefits for startups — added exposure, expert feedback, new connections and opportunities to access capital. And when you win a pitch competition, all those benefits magnify. Moreover, winning a pitch competition feels good. It validates your startup’s hard work, dedication and potential. But how can you carry this momentum forward? What’s next for your startup after winning a pitch competition? Here are a fe ..read more

Today, we explore how LED is paving the way for aspiring business owners in Louisiana. Entrepreneurship, a catalyst for economic growth and innovation, plays a pivotal role in shaping vibrant communities and fostering social and economic development. Let’s explore the support and resources LED provides to entrepreneurs and how it champions diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial landscape. Keep reading for an insightful Q&A session with Marlene Janetos, Marketing Director at Louisiana Economic Development (LED). 1. In your opinion, why should individuals consider entrepreneursh ..read more

Scaling your startup is a critical phase of the entrepreneurial journey, where the right strategic decisions can create sustainable growth and long-term success. However, the complexities of moving from startup to scale-up can be daunting without the right support.  Let’s explore how you can scale your startup effectively. We’ll delve into the key strategic elements that drive growth in this next phase of your business.  What’s the Difference Between a Startup and a Scale-Up? While startups and scale-ups share similarities, they represent different stages of business growth. Early-st ..read more

Entrepreneurship can be an exciting and daunting journey filled with opportunity, uncertainty and risk. But that journey isn’t easy: entrepreneurs face formidable challenges in securing funding, navigating regulatory hurdles and building a sustainable customer base.  This journey takes a toll on founders’ health and wellness. According to a Capital One survey, nearly half of small-business owners reported experiencing burnout ‌the previous month. Additionally, the report goes on, approximately 7 in 10 small-business owners report at least some mental, physical and emotional exhaustion cau ..read more

Every founder experiences business growing pains, but you don’t have to soldier on alone. Your local startup ecosystem can help you get through these challenges and execute your startup growth strategy. Small-business centers, incubators and accelerators can offer valuable assistance with developing a business plan, finding funding, marketing and more.  You don’t have to be in Silicon Valley to successfully scale a startup. You have access to dozens of resources to support your growth right here in the southern U.S. — and a strong partner in Nexus Louisiana, which connects small business ..read more

Everyone is interested in the possibilities of AI, from entrepreneurs to enterprises. But between technological limitations, security concerns and legal and ethical considerations, there’s still a lot left to be determined, including ownership. AI and IP may be the right combination of tools you need for your creative license, enabling you to innovate and protect your work. At Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week (BREW), we heard from experts in artificial intelligence and intellectual property. They discussed the current environment and what’s in store for the future. Here are some of the takeaw ..read more

Are you a small-business owner looking to take your company to the next level? You need a growth plan that maps out your path and the processes you’ll use to get there.  If you’re a small-business owner, a growth plan template is the perfect resource to help you move forward. From creating achievable growth goals to implementing the strategy, a template structures your efforts — whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to scale your business. What Is a Small-Business Growth Plan? A small-business growth plan is a strategic document that outlines the steps needed to achieve sustaina ..read more