Free REDII workshop connects St. Landry entrepreneurs with tools, mentors and real-world business strategies
Ul Lafayette Redii Roadshow Stops In St. Landry
USDA-funded UL Lafayette REDII Roadshow in St. Landry: free workshops on manufacturing, e-commerce, IP & planning.
- The University of Louisiana at Lafayette hosted a workshop in St. Landry Parish to help rural entrepreneurs.
- The event is part of the Rural Economic Development Innovation Initiative, funded by a USDA grant.
- Experts provided guidance on topics like e-commerce, strategic planning and intellectual property.
Innovation met opportunity Wednesday, April 15, in St. Landry Parish as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette brought its Rural Economic Development Innovation Initiative (REDII) Roadshow to the community.
Hosted at St. Landry Economic Development, the third stop in the regional series gathered entrepreneurs, students, and local leaders for a focused, hands-on workshop aimed at turning ideas into viable businesses.
The free event offered more than just presentations.
Attendees engaged directly with experts from the university’s Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (LEED) Center and Office of Innovation Management, gaining access to guidance on small-scale manufacturing, e-commerce, intellectual property and strategic planning.
Live demonstrations and one-on-one consultations gave participants a practical look at how to advance their ideas.
The roadshow is part of a broader effort funded by a $200,000 Rural Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, designed to strengthen business development in rural Acadiana.
Leaders behind the initiative emphasized that the goal is not just to inspire entrepreneurship, but to make it accessible.
Dr. Geoffrey T. Stewart, interim vice president for Strategic Impact and Economic Development and LEED Center director, said expanding access to these resources is essential to supporting long-term economic growth in the region.
“Through REDII, we are working directly with communities to help move ideas into viable businesses and create new opportunities across Acadiana,” Stewart said.
That message was echoed throughout the event, especially in conversations led by LEED Center Program Manager Jonathan Shirley. Drawing from earlier stops in places like Abbeville, Shirley described the roadshow as a way to spark both mindset and momentum in rural communities.
“It’s not ideas rural innovators lack… it’s access,” he said. “We’re here to start the conversation, but also to show what’s possible.”
Shirley emphasized that rural entrepreneurs have unique advantages, especially in an increasingly digital economy.
With the ability to sell products online, small-town creators are no longer limited by local population size. Lower costs for space and operations can make launching a business more feasible, while shipping nationwide opens the door to larger markets.
He also highlighted a key theme of the day: progress over perfection. Whether starting a business or developing a product, Shirley encouraged attendees to embrace the process, learn from early missteps, and keep moving forward.
“Your first version probably won’t be great, and that’s fine,” he said. “What matters is starting.”
Beyond inspiration, the workshop addressed real challenges entrepreneurs face. From understanding true business costs to identifying target customers, participants were urged to confront the practical side of running a business.
Shirley noted many new entrepreneurs overlook financial realities, mistaking revenue for profit or avoiding the numbers altogether out of fear.
“Knowing your numbers gives you power,” he said. “It tells you what needs to change.”
The event also underscored the importance of community support. By connecting participants with mentors, resources, and networks, REDII aims to ensure that entrepreneurs don’t have to navigate the process alone. Even small steps like verifying suspicious business mail or asking for advice can make a significant difference.
Aaron Gonsoulin is the General Assignment/Trending Reporter for The Daily Advertiser. Contact him at AGonsoulin@theadvertiser.com.
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