The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese State University and the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana will present a day-long summit for entrepreneurs in cultural industries from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Lake Charles Boston Academy of Learning, 1509 Enterprise Blvd.

The summit, “Business of Art,” is the first of its kind in the state and is designed for entrepreneurs in cultural industries such as culinary arts, preservation construction, visual and performing arts, architecture and interior design, publishing, film and video, and wed-related design. The summit will allow entrepreneurs to share their experiences and attend two of four one-hour training sessions – “Creative Marketing on a Shoestring,” “Recordkeeping: Don’t Underestimate the Power of the Manila Folder,” “501(c)3: Pros and Cons of Becoming a Non-Profit” and “Grants: The 5 Ws of Funding.” The event includes a small lunch.

“For years, the Arts Council has been promoting artists and arts organizations from the standpoint of creativity and grant funding. Likewise, the Small Business Development Center has been working with clients to better their chances at financial success. For the first time, with the emerging impetus of the cultural economy, we can combine the creativity of the arts with access to consulting on sound business practices,” said Irene Vandever, executive director of the Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana.

Todd Mouton, director of the Louisiana Crossroads Concert Series, will serve as master of ceremonies and will give an overview on the importance of the cultural economy in Louisiana, followed by success stories from cultural entrepreneurs.

Deb King with the LSBDC at McNeese said the “showcase is on Southwest Louisiana” to pioneer business and cultural partnerships to enhance the state economy.

“Quality of life will be a huge factor in Louisiana’s ability to attract and retain quality workers in a creative world, and our culture is what our quality of life is about,” King said. “The more that cultural entrepreneurs know about how to run their businesses, the more economically successful they will be. As goes the cultural economy, so goes Louisiana.”

In addition to the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at McNeese, co-sponsors include the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation, the Louisiana Crossroads Concert Series and the McNeese Banners Series.

For more information on the “Business of Art” or to register, call 337-439-2787.