Collaborative, growth-oriented roundtable sessions
This popular, yearlong LED program brings together 15 to 18 key decision makers from Louisiana-based small businesses for collaborative, growth-oriented roundtable sessions in which CEOs can safely explore business issues with the guidance of experienced facilitators in a trusting environment.
Participation in the roundtables provides access to numerous benefits, including:
- Peer-to-peer learning through discussion, interaction and the sharing of experiences that allow participants to learn from each other’s achievements and mistakes.
- Support through highly qualified facilitators, expert guest speakers and connection to various small business resources.
Eligibility
- Principal Place of Business – The company must have maintained its principal place of business in Louisiana.
- Annual Revenue – The company should have annual revenue between $600,000 and $50,000,000.
- Employees – The company should employ at least five but not more than 100 employees.
- External Markets – The company should deliver products or services to customers outside the company’s local market area or demonstrate the capacity to do so.
- Lawful Function – The company must be organized for profit to perform a lawful, commercially useful function.
- Growth – Additional consideration will be given to companies that can demonstrate high growth potential.
- Participant Profile – Participants must be a CEO, business owner or key decision maker in the company.
- Retail stores and restaurants are specifically excluded.
The Process
Applications will be accepted between February 1 and March 31 each year for participatory consideration in CEO Roundtables beginning in July of each year.
Next Steps
LED reviews the application after the application window closes on March 31.
Applicants invited to participate will receive an email between April 1 and June 15 from an LED staff member providing the 10-month roundtable schedule along with a participant agreement requiring commitment to attend at least 80 percent of roundtable sessions.
The roundtable facilitator will provide the confirmed participants with a diagnostic questionnaire to be completed by the participants for use during the roundtable in driving discussions and topics covered.
Eligibility Scenarios
My business is currently receiving LED incentives. Am I still eligible to participate in CEO Roundtables?
Yes. Your participation in other LED incentives does not preclude you from receiving assistance through CEO Roundtables.
I just sold my business to an out-of-state company but continue to operate it from a Louisiana location. Can we participate in CEO Roundtables?
No. Subsidiary companies are considered to be a part of the parent company. Since the parent company is not Louisiana-based, it would not be eligible for this program.
My company is looking to expand its business throughout Louisiana but we do not have the capacity to grow beyond the state's borders at this time. Can CEO Roundtables help me expand only within Louisiana?
Every company is evaluated on a case-by-case basis; therefore, there is not a blanket answer that would apply. CEO Roundtables support companies looking to expand outside of their traditional market area, preferably out of state, in an effort to increase and accelerate wealth creation throughout the state.
FAQs
What are CEO Roundtables?
CEO Roundtables are peer groups that give executives the opportunity to discuss business practices and management strategies with peers who deal with similar growth challenges.
What is an eligible company for CEO Roundtables?
A company that is past the start-up phase, has not yet reached maturity and is poised for significant growth. Typically, these are second-stage growth companies with annual revenues of $600,000 to $50,000,000 that employ between five and 99 employees and have demonstrated the desire, ability and capacity to grow.
Does meeting all of the eligibility requirements for LED’s CEO Roundtables guarantee my acceptance into the program?
No. Due to high demand and limited capacity, eligibility does not guarantee acceptance into LED’s CEO Roundtables.
What is the cost to participate in CEO Roundtables?
There is no cost to participate in CEO Roundtables.
What are the services offered through CEO Roundtables?
CEO Roundtables bring together groups of 15 to 18 key decision makers together 10 times a year for peer-to-peer learning, business networking and support. These collaborative, growth-oriented meetings support a trusting environment in which CEO’s can safely explore business and personal issues. The roundtables are problem-solving sessions that address issues important to business owners. The value of the roundtables come from access to likeminded entrepreneurs and experienced facilitators, each of whom can offer direction based on first-hand experiences.
How long does the program last?
The entire length of the program is between ten and twelve months.
How much time should I plan to dedicate to this engagement?
Many of the CEOs we have interviewed after their engagement have told us that they spent between ten and twelve hours directly involved in the process.
As the leader of an Entrepreneur Support Organization, why should I refer my clients to CEO Roundtables?
Referring clients to other state-supported services such as CEO Roundtables can help build trust, increase effectiveness and strengthen the entrepreneurial culture in Louisiana.
Small Business Services
Please reach out to LED’s Small Business Services department for more information about the program.