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LEDA call center helping small business owners and unemployed

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Posted at 9:00 PM, Apr 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-24 22:32:38-04

LAFAYETTE — The Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) is taking your calls, answering questions about help for small businesses and unemployment claims.

In a joint effort with Lafayette Consolidated Government, LEDA is hoping they can help you navigate this trying time.

Since March 30, LEDA has answered more than 800 calls.

According to the agency's president and CEO, Gregg Gothreaux, most recently, the topic of conversation is the new "Safe Shop" policy.

"We help them determine what industry or what business type they are, whether they're essential, whether they're Safe Shop potential, or gray-area businesses, or whether they're prohibited," explained Gothreaux.

Gothreaux is hoping his agency can help people get back on their feet.

"We want people to know there are jobs out there," said Gothreaux. "We want businesses to know that if they have a job available, they can let us know, and we'll post it."

Aside from their call center, LEDA's website is a hub of resources, including applications for assistance programs.

"We also have a big listing of charitable organizations and civic organizations that are doing things both for the unemployed and also for small business," said Gothreaux.

The CEO says the sustainability of the parish relies on businesses and workers.

"Every shop owner, every business, please open as quickly as you can and follow the rules," said Gothreaux.

You can speak directly to a LEDA staff member by calling the agency directly or by dialing 311 and then pressing 2.

Phone lines are open Monday - Friday from 10 a-m. - 2 p.m.

For news and updates, follow LEDA and Gregg Gothreaux on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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