A bustling scene from a local Louisiana market highlighting the vibrant entrepreneurship supported by Shell LiveWire.
Shell USA, Inc. has unveiled its 2025 Louisiana cohort of the Shell LiveWire program, collaborating with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center to support local entrepreneurship. This year’s initiative includes 23 businesses from 13 parishes, providing entrepreneurs with essential resources and networks to foster economic growth. The program aims to empower diverse industries and enhance small business resilience across Louisiana, continuing its legacy of supporting local talent and innovation.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Shell USA, Inc. has officially launched the 2025 Louisiana cohort of its Shell LiveWire program, aimed at supporting local entrepreneurship in the state. In collaboration with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC), the program is now in its third year of operation, serving as a business accelerator for small enterprises across Louisiana. A total of 23 businesses from 13 different parishes were selected to participate in this year’s initiative.
The primary goal of the Shell LiveWire program is to strengthen the local economy by providing Louisiana entrepreneurs with free access to essential knowledge, skills, networks, and resources. This year, the cohort showcases a diverse group of entrepreneurs, reflecting various industries including 3D printing, cleaning, consulting, fashion, financial services, food and beverage, health, legal services, marketing, media, retail, and wellness.
Participating parishes in the 2025 Louisiana cohort include:
The program is designed to connect entrepreneurs with valuable support networks that can aid in the growth and expansion of their businesses. Shell’s Executive Vice President of Chemicals highlighted the courage and community-oriented spirit of the entrepreneurs chosen for this year’s cohort, acknowledging their commitment to better serve their communities through innovative solutions.
The implementation of the Shell LiveWire program is supported significantly by the LSU Small Business Development Center, which provides a customized curriculum designed specifically for the cohort participants. Educational sessions feature expert speakers from the local area, focusing on critical business topics such as marketing strategies, financial management, and team leadership. These training efforts are aimed not only at providing education but also at shaping the future landscape of small business in Louisiana.
A notable participant from the previous year, LaDarby Landry Williams, founded a cleaning service named “Germ Slayers” and gained recognition as a finalist in the Shell LiveWire Global Top Ten Innovators Competition, illustrating the potential success stories that can arise from the program.
Globally, Shell LiveWire started in Scotland in 1982 and has since expanded its reach to 18 countries. The program has demonstrated significant impact by training over 2,700 people in 2024 alone, leading to the creation of more than 426 new businesses and sustaining over 2,400 jobs worldwide. In Louisiana, the LSBDC has been delivering small business assistance for the past 40 years and supports the needs of entrepreneurs with tailored resources that help them thrive in a competitive market.
On average, LSBDC assists over 3,880 small businesses annually, contributing to approximately $67.2 million in capitalization alongside the creation of nearly 200 new businesses and around 700 jobs. Louisiana entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Shell LiveWire Louisiana program, with applications remaining open until January 31, 2025.
This initiative continues to play a vital role in fostering economic resilience within the state, empowering local talent and promoting innovation in small business ventures across Louisiana.
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