About this Event
Know Your Numbers. Grow Your Business.
You put time, money, and hard work into your business. Understanding your numbers helps you make that effort count.
Join The Growth Collider: Small Business Opportunity Program for a free workshop focused on helping small business owners become more profitable, make informed decisions, and connect with resources that support growth.
Whether you’re starting out or growing an established business, this is an opportunity to step away from daily demands and focus on your next steps.
What to expect
- Practical learning focused on understanding your business numbers and improving profitability.
- Guest speakers representing state and local government and banks.
- Connections with business support organizations and fellow small business owners.
- Free lunch and opportunities to exchange ideas and ask questions.
Who should attend?
Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want a clearer understanding of their finances, stronger connections, and a more informed approach to growth.
When and where
Friday, November 13, 2026
10:00 AM–3:00 PM
The Advanced Technology Center Auditorium
7500 Millhaven Road
Admission is free. Lunch is provided.
Participating organizations
Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Delta Community College, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Origin Bank, GreenQube, Maven Scouts, Single Source Business Solutions, America’s SBDC, and The Boot.
Bring your questions, your goals, and your drive to grow. Reserve your free spot today.
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome & Introductions Meet the participating organizations
Host: Grant Rogers
Info: Meet the participating organizations and learn how the workshop connects financial understanding with business growth. Network with 100 other small business owners.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Growth & Capital Panel
Host: Mike Downhour
Info: Hear from banking and government representatives about financial readiness, business resources, access to capital, and what lenders look for.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free Lunch & The Growth Ledger: Understanding Your Numbers
Host: Bob Thames
Info: Explore the three financial reports every business owner should understand: the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. Learn how to assess profitability, working capital, and financial health, and enjoy a free lunch prepared by Chef Sam Crawford while connecting with fellow small business owners.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch Continued & Cash Flow, Budgeting and Forecasting
Info: Continue enjoying your complimentary lunch by Chef Sam Crawford while learning how to build a realistic budget, forecast cash needs, and plan for growth. Explore how incoming payments, expenses, and timing affect the cash available to run your business.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Cost Control, Pricing & Break-Even Analysis
Info: Understand direct, indirect, fixed, and variable costs. Work through practical examples showing how pricing, sales volume, and expenses affect profitability—and determine how much you need to sell to break even.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:15 PM
Preparing for Capital: Finding the Right Funding
Info:
Explore bootstrapping, SBA lending, other debt financing, angel investment, and venture capital. Learn how to match funding to your business needs and prepare for conversations with lenders and investors.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:45 PM
Put It Into Practice: Capital-Readiness Worksheet
Info: Identify how much capital your business needs, what the money will fund, and which milestones it will help you reach. Review your financial records, projections, and next steps for becoming funding-ready.
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
Open Q&A, Resources & Closing Remarks
Info: Ask questions, connect with business support partners, and identify follow-up assistance. Leave with clear priorities for strengthening your finances and growing your business.
Event venue & nearby stays
7500 Millhaven Rd, 7500 Millhaven Road, Monroe, United States
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