The City of Natchitoches is continuing implementation of its Economic Access & Opportunity Policy, approved by the City Council in 2025, through the adoption of a new vendor access program at the Natchitoches Events Center. Effective June 1, 2026, the Natchitoches Events Center implemented a simplified application process to expand access to business opportunities for local vendors while maintaining appropriate standards for professionalism and public safety.

“The City Council’s adoption of the Economic Access & Opportunity Policy in 2025 signaled our commitment to ensuring that economic opportunity is available to all qualified businesses,” said Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr. “The new Events Center vendor program puts that commitment into action by creating a more accessible process that supports entrepreneurship, strengthens our local economy, and connects residents with the local businesses they prefer.”

In alignment with the program goals of the City’s Uplift Natchitoches Entrepreneurship Program, funded by the National League of Cities’ Southern Cities Economic Initiative, the Economic Access & Opportunity Policy was established to remove unnecessary barriers to participation, promote inclusive economic development, and create pathways for local businesses to grow and compete. The Events Center vendor policy represents one of the first major implementations of that vision.

“More accessible vendor opportunities mean more dollars circulating within our local economy, which is a primary focus of the Uplift Natchitoches Entrepreneurship Program,” said Nicole Gray, program founder. “Increased participation supports entrepreneurship, small business development, job creation, and community wealth-building.”

The simplified application process makes it easier for small businesses and startups to participate in Events Center opportunities. By reducing the administrative and financial barriers that limit some small businesses, the City encourages a broader range of local vendors to compete and serve the community. 

“Local vendors create stronger connections between the Events Center and the community, and our residents are more likely to support events when they see familiar, homegrown businesses given an opportunity to participate,” said Director of Community & Economic Development Shanna LeBrum. 

This new policy positions the City of Natchitoches as a leader in expanding access and opportunity for entrepreneurs while demonstrating the City’s commitment to fairness and inclusive economic development. The City of Natchitoches remains committed to implementing the Economic Access & Opportunity Policy across municipal programs and initiatives to ensure local businesses have meaningful opportunities to participate in the City’s economic growth.