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Community Development

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1. What Services do you Provide for the Jobseeker?

Career Services                     Job Seeker Services
Education Services                Labor Market Services
Community Services              Financial Services
Unemployment Services         Veteran Services
Youth Services                      Senior Services
Staff Provided Services           Apprenticeship Services

2. What Services do you Provide for the Employer?

Recruitment Services                Education Services
Employer Incentives             Human Resource Information
Employer Based Training          Incumbent Worker Training
Labor Market Services          Labor Relation Information
Trade Adjustment Assistance       North American Free Trade Agreement - TAA
EEO Information                 Government Resources
Wellness and Ergonomics          Staff Provided Services

3. What is the LaJET Program?

LaJET is the Louisiana Job Employment and Training program which provide employment and training services to Caddo Parish Food Stamp Recipients who are Mandatory Work Registrants.

4. What happens if a client does not comply with the LaJET Program?

Participants will be reported failure to comply if they do not comply with any aspect of the program. If this happens, the participant will lose their food stamp benefits for three (3) months, and will not be able to regain their benefits until they do comply.

5. How long does a Client have to participate in the LaJET Program?

The program is designed to be complete within three (3) weeks from the date of orientation. The participant must complete twelve (12) hours of assessment and training. This is done in two (2) to three (3) days depending on the program component assignment. The participant must also do Job Search over the three (3) week period by placing applications with twenty-four (24) companies. At the end of the three (3) week period, the participant will return to our office for an Exit Interview which normally takes about thirty (30) minutes.

6. What must I do if I lose my benefits because I did not comply with the LaJET Program?

If you are reported Failure to Comply, you must contact your Office of Family Support (OFS) Food Stamp Case Worker as soon as possible. Tell her that you need a Form-5D in order to comply with the LaJET Program. Bring the Form-5D to the LaJET office at 1237 Murphy Street – Basement – City Hall Annex. Someone with the LaJET staff will schedule you to complete your missed requirement. Once you have complied a LaJET staff member will FAX your Form-5D to your OFS Food Stamp Case Worker to advise her of your compliance. You will regain your Food Stamp benefits some time after that.

7. Who should I contact if I have a complaint about program activities or staff?

You may contact the LaJET Program Manager, Celena Strickland at 318-673-7585.

8. What is WIA?

Workforce Investment Act or WIA as it is commonly called, provides the framework for a unique national workforce preparation and employment system designed to meet the needs of the nation’s businesses and the needs of job seekers and those who want to further their careers.

9. Do you have training programs?

Yes! You can locate a training or educational program that is related to your occupation or field of interest.

10. How do I qualify for training programs?

18 or older
U.S. Citizen
Selective Service Registered (if applicable)

11. What is the Application Process?

Case manager assigned
Fill out application
Provide proof of citizenship, residency, date of birth and age verification, income verification and any other required documentation.

12. What type of financial assistance is available through Community Development?

We offer financial assistance through our EDI Program (Economic Development Initiative) to businesses located in the designated 16 target areas of Shreveport?

13. What is the maximum loan amount one can apply for?

Up to $250,000 with up to an additional $50,000 allocated for working capital.

14. Do I have to put my own money into the business or project?

Yes, the city requires that start-up business applicants put in a 20% cash and/or asset injection into the business; existing business applicants are asked to put a minimum of 10% equity.

15. What types of business will the city NOT fund?

Businesses involved in illegal, gaming or religious business activities. Also, we will not fund for speculative business or purposes, pyramid sales activities, political campaigns, or investment companies or loan companies. Lastly, we will not fund owners who are incarcerated or on probation or parole.

16. Do I have to live in Shreveport to qualify for loan?

No, the business must be located within the city limits of Shreveport.

17. Can I get a loan to combine all my bills?

No, the city’s loan program prohibits using the money for debt consolidation, refinancing or personal financing, to name a few.

18. What is required of me if I take out a loan with the city?

Since the city utilizes federal funds from HUD, The main requirement is that one must adhere to the job creation requirements, which is to create or retain one job per every $35,000 borrowed within two years.

19. What will my monthly payment be on my loan?

The monthly payment will vary, depending on the amount borrowed, the interest rate and the term of the financing.

20. What is the interest rate for the business loans?

The interest rate varies depending on the customer’s personal credit, the type of collateral being used to secure the loan, etc., however, the rate can range between 3 – 7 %.

21. Can anyone apply for the Economic Development Initiative loan?

Yes, as long as one has a completed business plan, has been turned down by a local financial institution for the same amount being asked from the city, and meets the job creation requirements.

22. I know I have to prepare a business plan, but I do not know where to begin. Where can I get business plan assistance?

The internet offers many business plan guidelines and business plan samples; however, if you are seeking personal assistance, you should contact the local Small Business Development Center at LSU-Shreveport.

23. What is working capital?

Monies available for short-term capital needs, typically to fund accounts receivable and inventory.

24. How often does the Loan Review Committee meet?

The Loan Committee is scheduled to meet on the third Thursday of every month, however, they do not meet if there is no business to present.

25. If I wanted to make the Loan Committee meeting, what is the deadline to have all my information in to the Business Loan Coordinator?

The last day of the previous month is the deadline; however, if the project is new construction, more time may be necessary.

26. Is it possible for the business loan applicant to make a presentation to the Loan Review Committee during the meeting?

Yes, if the applicant wishes to make a presentation, he or she is allotted approximately 5-10 minutes to sell their business and, perhaps, themselves, to the committee.

27. What is the approximate turn-around time one the loan has been approved?

The city makes every effort to close the loan and disperse the funds in timely manner; however, every circumstance is different. Once the applicant, the Loan Coordinator and the attorney are able to coordinate their schedules, the closing takes place and fund are distributed accordingly.

28. Is the city’s criteria to evaluate the business loan application similar to banking standards?

Yes, even though the city is not a lending institution, we review applications just as a bank would, evaluating on the standard underwriting criteria, using the “Eight “C’s” of Credit Rule”:

1. Credit (must be reasonably good)
2. Capacity (ability to repay)
3. Capital (money going into the business)
4. Collateral (your asset that secure the loan)
5. Character (you as a person)
6. Conditions (economy, finances, anything that affects your business)
7. Commitment (your ability and willingness to succeed)
8. Cash Flow (can it support the business’ debt and expenses?)