JEDCO, Jefferson Chamber to host small business financing seminar

As business owners know, access to capital plays an important role in the growth of a company. Being able to secure a loan for working capital, equipment, the purchase of a new space, or new construction can make or break a project. It’s so important for business owners to know their options and what makes a business bankable. BUT navigating the small business loan process can be daunting. Knowing when to seek funding, and what you’ll need to be a viable loan candidate can often times leave lots of questions.

That’s why JEDCO and the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce decided to host a seminar that will clear up the questions and show a simple path to obtaining a small business loan. During our Small Business Financing seminar, speakers will offer expert advice on a variety of loan-related topics, including:

• Commercial Loans 101
• What you can do today to become a good loan candidate
• The 5 C’s of Credit
• Local loan programs available to startups/small businesses

Join us Wednesday, November 10th, at the JEDCO Conference Center (701A Churchill Parkway, Fairfield, LA 70094) from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. It is $5 to attend, which covers a light breakfast. This event is open to all businesses and entrepreneurs. Please register online in advance.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

Jennifer Lapeyrouse, JEDCO Director of Finance

Jennifer Lapeyrouse serves as the Finance Director for Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO). Jennifer oversees all aspects of JEDCO’s small business financing arm. She joined the team in 2017. Under her leadership of the finance department, JEDCO has seen a 300% increase in loans. Jennifer was instrumental in securing a number of small business loans in the food and beverage industry. Current projects include Atomic Burger (ranked a “Top 100 Burger in America” by Thrillist) and Hubig’s Pies, one of New Orleans’ most iconic food brands.

Jennifer was named to the New Orleans CityBusiness 2020 class of Women of the Year. Biz New Orleans named Jennifer and her team to the list of 2019 Financial Frontrunners, featured in the August publication of the local business magazine. Jennifer and JEDCO financing projects have been featured in a variety of news stories and a recent ad campaign to promote the SBA 504 Loan Program received global recognition from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2020.

Jennifer has worked in small business lending for over 20 years in a variety of capacities. Her roles included Commercial Loan Officer, Portfolio Manager, Senior Credit Officer and Loan Review Officer at financial institutions such as SunTrust, Bank of America, and BB&T, among others. Jennifer is a graduate of the local Leadership Jefferson program.

Dianne F. Sclafani, Culinary & Foodservice Business Development Consultant for La. Small Business Development Center, Greater New Orleans and River Region (LSBDC-GNOR)

Dianne is a business speaker, trainer, and consultant specializing in food businesses. She has over 25 years of practical experience in restaurants, foodservice, culinary education, and food manufacturing industries. Dianne has helped approximately 1,000 new and established local business owners strengthen and expand their businesses. She continues to consultant and coach many industries in developing loan packages and investment pitches. In 2015, she developed and instructed the first New Orleans Culinary Entrepreneur Training Program for Capital One’s Investment for Good Program. The following year she created the first Jazz and Heritage Foundation’s Catapult Culinary Entrepreneur Program in 2016, which was repeated in 2018. She also creates restaurant and food manufacturing seminars for the LSBDC clients across the State of Louisiana. Dianne was honored with the prestigious 2016 Louisiana SBDC State Star Award. Her passion is in building relationships with business owners to help them achieve their business vision for success.

Paul Catalano, Director of Mortgage Lending at OnPath Federal Credit Union