This article is brought to you by Shell.
Starting and growing a business takes more than passion, it requires strategy, resources, and confidence. That’s where Shell LiveWire Louisiana comes in. This free business accelerator program is designed to help small business owners across South Louisiana build strong foundations and scale with purpose. Over nine weeks, participants benefit from virtual training sessions, one-on-one business consultations, coaching, media and digital promotions, and networking events.
The goal is simple: Equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, support, and resources needed to thrive in competitive markets, while strengthening local economies. “I believe having inclusive economic growth is the cornerstone of a strong and sustainable community,” explains Becky Cooper, Shell US Social Investment Advisor.
The LiveWire program helped Barbara Robillard, founder of Raynbo Development, find the tools she didn’t even realize she needed. “I had to understand that I was the brand,” she says. The program helped her refine her services, clarify her customer base, and embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. Today, Raynbo Development is a trusted partner for leadership and procurement strategies.
Shell LiveWire Louisiana concentrates on 13 parishes in South Louisiana. Applicants are accepted from Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes and welcomes businesses from all sectors. Participants in the program are selected by application and an interview by a panel of judges from Shell leaders, industry, and business representatives, who are experts in industry and market requirements.
For LaQueda Ricks, the leap from HR executive to business owner was no small task. Through LiveWire, she mastered financial planning and branding strategies that helped her grow 4D HR Consulting and position the business for national partnerships. “The tips they gave me were game changers,” she says. “It helped me connect with my audience and build my platform.”
From youth-focused programs like Needle & Thread Sewing Academy, which empowers kids through creativity, to innovative brands like Blessed Bayou Candles, LiveWire graduates are proving that with the right tools and support, local businesses can make a global impact.
Ready to grow your business?
Applications for the 2026 Shell LiveWire Louisiana program are open through January 26, 2026. Learn more and apply at www.shell.us/livewire.