The State of Louisiana recently named Natchitoches as one of 10 recipients of a new grant that will support improvement projects and promote further growth in certified Louisiana Development Ready Communications (LDRC).

Natchitoches has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Louisiana Economic Development (LED). The funds will be managed by the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance (NEDA). Together they will employ a third-party vendor to create dynamic visual content that highlights Natchitoches’ economic and community development opportunities. This initiative is a key component of the launch of the Chamber and NEDA’s newly revamped website, which is in the final stages of development. 

The primary objective of this investment is to enhance Natchitoches’ digital presence, showcasing commitment to business and industry growth, talent attraction and retention, and support for entrepreneurs. The effort aligns with the Chamber’s recent allocation of $15,000 to redesign and enhance its economic development website, reinforcing its dedication to using digital platforms for fostering economic growth and community engagement. 

“We are excited about the opportunities this grant provides,” said Laura Lyles, President and CEO of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce. “By leveraging professional visual content, we can better promote our high-wage and high-demand jobs, as well as other economic development initiatives, to a broader audience.” 

By highlighting existing high-wage jobs, high-demand jobs, job promotion, and industry exposure, the enhanced online presence aims to create a lasting impact that benefits all stakeholders, from local businesses to the workforce and the broader community. 

“This new grant program is a great addition to the many benefits of the LDRC program and LED applauds these communities for seizing this opportunity,” LED Chief Economic Competitiveness Officer Ileana Ledet said, ” We look forward to seeing these funds used to increase the competitiveness of these communities and open the door for new investment and job creation in every corner of Louisiana.”