News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Angey Saucier Date: 3/9/04   SOUTHEASTERN’S SBDC GAINS ADDITIONAL ACCREDITATION       HAMMOND -- Southeastern Louisiana University’s Small Business Development Center has been reaccredited for a four-year period by the Louisiana Small Business Development Center Network, a division of the Association of Small Business Development Centers.       Founded in 1986, Southeastern’s SBDC provides area businesses and individuals and groups interested in starting or expanding businesses with a variety of resources, including assistance in marketing, finance and development of business plans. Housed in Southeastern’s new Southeast Louisiana Business Center, it provides training programs and free, confidential one-on-one consulting services to potential and existing small business owners in Washington, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena parishes.        The center was visited last year by a team from the Association of Small Business Development Centers. The Washington, D.C.-based association conducted a series of on-site reviews which led to the formal accreditation of the program. Accreditation is required in order to receive federal funds for the center’s services.       “Provision of high quality services is a priority of the LSBDC  and a number of processes are in place to ensure that all services are delivered at the highest quality,” said Violet L. Liner, associate state director of LSBDC Network.       “Southeastern’s SBDC has assisted more than 4,400 clients and has secured more than $134 million in loans, capital and government contracts and subcontracts since its opening,” said Bill Joubert, director of the Southeastern SBDC. “With this additional accreditation, we will continue to receive federal funds to help build the local economy for present and future generations.”        The LSCBD Network has 13 service centers and annually provides counseling and training to more than 12,000 businesses and individuals. The LSBDC Network is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Department of Economic Development and the state's universities.       For more information on Southeastern’s SBDC or the Southeast Louisiana Business Center, call 985-549-3831 or email sbdc@selu.edu.