Business networking events announced

TPCG sets Business Expo for April 22

A free business networking event, hosted by Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government, will be conducted 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 at the Barry P. Bonvillain Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Boulevard in Houma.

Parish officials and local support entities will host a series of panel discussions focused on best practices for companies and start-ups to do business with parish government and other business information. Watch Facebook forr registration information!

CTAC Networking & Matchmaking event set May 12

The Coastal Technical Assistance Center is collaborating with CPRA and APEX Accelerators to present the 3rd Annual Business Networking & Matchmaking Event, set Coastal Day, May 12, at The Center for River Studies, 100 Terrace Ave. in Baton Rouge.

The event is designed to connect prime contractors and subcontractors working in the coastal and water management sector. It will feature open networking and business matchmaking (structured "speed dating" meetings) for companies.

To exhibit during the open networking session or participate as a prime contractor, contact Paige Gisclair, program director, at paige@louisianactac.org.

Hotline set up to combat regulation red tape

If you have concerns about federal regulations that impose excessive costs on small businesses, contact the SBA's Office of Advocacy by calling 1-800-827-5722 and pressing option 3, or emailing redtape@sba.gov.

Beneficial ownership only required for foreign entities

The date for filing beneficial ownership has passed - but the Financial Crimes enforcement Network (FinCEN) has announced an interim rule that only foreign companies must report their information.

Existing foreign companies must file within 30 days of the interim rule being adopted. Those foreign companies registered in the United States after the date of adoption have 30 days from their registration.

FinCEN has announced that entities previously known as "domestic reporting companies" are exempt from BOI reporting requirements.

Free training opportunities to start or grow business

The Louisiana Small Business Development Center offers free online training for startup and existing businesses on various topics, including:

• "Small Business Insurance 101" set for 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, April 4. Register here.
• "Cybersecurity: When Bots Attack - Safeguarding Against AI Cyber Threats" will be 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9. Register here.
• "Starting and Financing Your Small Business" will be 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 15. Register here.
• "Business Planning for Entrepreneurs," set 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. p.m. Friday, April 25. Register here.

Find more training opportunities here.