On Monday, phone lines opened for business owners, employees who are now unemployed, and people looking for work in Lafayette Parish.
Through a joint effort with Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Lafayette Economic Development Authority , the phone lines were set up to get ahead of the curve in the economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor President Josh Guillory announced the project in a press conference on Friday.
The economic consequences of this situation are every bit as serious as the public health consequences. I am committed to ensuring we provide our people with the information, resources and necessary tools," Guillory said.
The call center will be open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Those looking for assistance should dial 311 then press 2.
LCG says that ten members of LEDA’s staff are answering calls to help navigate people through the complicated process. Staff received 156 calls as of Monday.
“We are here to help during this time of uncertainty, when people don’t know where to turn. Citizens can feel confident in knowing our staff is knowledgeable about programs for businesses and our workforce," LEDA President and CEO Gregg Gothreaux said.
STAFF IS HELPING WITH:
- Applying for small business recovery loans
- Applying for unemployment benefits
- Find Employers who are hiring
- Other information about related programs
A webinar is also available for those looking for information on small business loans. Find the webinar on LEDA’s Facebook page and website, lafayette.org/sbaloan.
Business owners who prefer physical copies of SBA loan packets can drive through the “old LUS” payment center at LCG City Hall located at 705 W. University, to receive a printed packet of information and application forms Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
