NGO Funding Request


The recipient entity's full legal name:  Reader Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

The recipient entity's physical address:
           580 Airport Drive
Vivian, Louisiana 71082


The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           580 Airport Drive
Vivian, LA 71082


Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Religious Corp.

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  5168

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $100,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Sweettie Lars, Chief Executive Officer
205 South Pardue Street
Vivian, LA 71082
Melvin Lars, Executive Director
205 South Pardue Street
Vivian, LA 71082
Marilyn Abraham, Secretary/Treasurer
602 North East Front Street
Vivian, LA 71082
Barbara Simington, Board Member
9446 Hosston Road
Vivian, LA 71082
Mary Jefferson, Board Member
209 Choctaw Street
Vivian, LA 71082
Lola Ellis Richardson
118 Lovette Drive
Vivian, LA 71082


Provide a summary of the project or program:
           The primary objectives of this project are as follows:
To develop a business incubator in Northwest Louisiana
To provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a supportive environment to develop and grow their business ideas in Northwest Louisiana that will address the following deserts that exist in the area.
The identified "deserts" are:
1. Food, 2. Transportation, 3. Cultural/Performing Arts, 4 Healthcare, 5. Economic Development and 6. Educational Opportunities.
Action Plan
To offer mentorship and guidance from experienced industry professionals.
To provide access to resources and facilitate networking opportunities and connections with potential investors, partners, and customers.
To foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting economic growth.
To develop business plans that will address identified "deserts."
Project Description:
The Northwest Louisiana area is primarily rural; consisting of 11 small towns and villages that are at 30 miles or more in distance from a major city. Therefore in order to successfully implement the business incubator model, we propose the following:
Conduct a comprehensive analysis to select the most suitable incubator models (e.g., general, sector-specific, technology-focused) based on regional needs and market trends.

Infrastructure

Establish a resource center with access to relevant business databases, industry reports, and market research tools.

Mentorship and Expert Guidance:
Establish a network of experienced mentors and advisors from diverse industries.
Engage mentors to provide regular one-on-one sessions, workshops, and training programs on various entrepreneurial topics, such as business planning, marketing, finance, and legal aspects.
Facilitate connections between mentors and entrepreneurs to foster meaningful relationships and knowledge transfer.

Access to Resources:
Forge partnerships with local and national organizations to provide access to funding opportunities, grants, and venture capital firms.
Collaborate with academic institutions to leverage research, talent, and expertise.
Organize networking events, pitch competitions, and demo days to connect entrepreneurs with potential investors, customers, and partners.
Develop partnerships with industry associations, trade shows, and business networks to expand market reach.
Facilitate access to market research, customer insights, and industry trends to help entrepreneurs validate their business models and make informed decisions.
Project Timeline:
The project implementation will be divided into the following phases:

Phase 1: Feasibility Study and Planning
Phase 2: Infrastructure Development and Setup
Phase 3: Recruitment of Mentors and Advisors
Phase 4: Program Launch and Incubation Process
Phase 5: Ongoing Support, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Duration of the Project: 0ne year initially but ongoing.


What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $80,000
          Professional Services. . . $10,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $0
          Operating Services. . . . $10,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The primary objectives of this project are as follows:
To develop a business incubator in Northwest Louisiana
To provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a supportive environment to develop and grow their business ideas in Northwest Louisiana that will address the following deserts that exist in the area.
The identified "deserts" are:
1. Food, 2. Transportation, 3. Cultural/Performing Arts, 4 Healthcare, 5. Economic Development and 6. Educational Opportunities.
Action Plan
To offer mentorship and guidance from experienced industry professionals.
To provide access to resources and facilitate networking opportunities and connections with potential investors, partners, and customers.
To foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting economic growth.
To develop business plans that will address identified "deserts."
Project Description:
The Northwest Louisiana area is primarily rural; consisting of 11 small towns and villages that are at 30 miles or more in distance from a major city. Therefore in order to successfully implement the business incubator model, we propose the following:
Conduct a comprehensive analysis to select the most suitable incubator models (e.g., general, sector-specific, technology-focused) based on regional needs and market trends.

Infrastructure

Establish a resource center with access to relevant business databases, industry reports, and market research tools.

Mentorship and Expert Guidance:
Establish a network of experienced mentors and advisors from diverse industries.
Engage mentors to provide regular one-on-one sessions, workshops, and training programs on various entrepreneurial topics, such as business planning, marketing, finance, and legal aspects.
Facilitate connections between mentors and entrepreneurs to foster meaningful relationships and knowledge transfer.

Access to Resources:
Forge partnerships with local and national organizations to provide access to funding opportunities, grants, and venture capital firms.
Collaborate with academic institutions to leverage research, talent, and expertise.
Organize networking events, pitch competitions, and demo days to connect entrepreneurs with potential investors, customers, and partners.
Develop partnerships with industry associations, trade shows, and business networks to expand market reach.
Facilitate access to market research, customer insights, and industry trends to help entrepreneurs validate their business models and make informed decisions.
Project Timeline:
The project implementation will be divided into the following phases:

Phase 1: Feasibility Study and Planning
Phase 2: Infrastructure Development and Setup
Phase 3: Recruitment of Mentors and Advisors
Phase 4: Program Launch and Incubation Process
Phase 5: Ongoing Support, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Duration of the Project: 0ne year initially but ongoing.


What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          The primary objectives of this project are as follows:
To develop a business incubator in Northwest Louisiana
To provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a supportive environment to develop and grow their business ideas in Northwest Louisiana that will address the following deserts that exist in the area.
The identified "deserts" are:
1. Food, 2. Transportation, 3. Cultural/Performing Arts, 4 Healthcare, 5. Economic Development and 6. Educational Opportunities.
Action Plan
To offer mentorship and guidance from experienced industry professionals.
To provide access to resources and facilitate networking opportunities and connections with potential investors, partners, and customers.
To foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting economic growth.
To develop business plans that will address identified "deserts."
Project Description:
The Northwest Louisiana area is primarily rural; consisting of 11 small towns and villages that are at 30 miles or more in distance from a major city. Therefore in order to successfully implement the business incubator model, we propose the following:
Conduct a comprehensive analysis to select the most suitable incubator models (e.g., general, sector-specific, technology-focused) based on regional needs and market trends.


What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           One year but plans to continue if funding available.

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 No
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 No

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 No

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  No

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               None

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               None

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                None

          What is the nature of the relationship?  None

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 None

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               None


Contact Information
name:  Sweettie Lars 
                                       address:  580 Airport Drive
Vivian, LA 71082

                                       phone:  440-935-0376
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  bsmartlearningacademy@gmail.com
                                       relationship to entity:  CEO