By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Small business owners in St. John the Baptist Parish can learn more about possible low interest loan and grant opportunities when the St. John Parish Economic Development Department hosts two town hall meetings.

Laverne Saulny, acting director of the Economic Development Department, announced the meetings at Tuesday’s Parish Council meeting.

She said the purpose of the parish’s Small Business Grant and Loan Program is to facilitate recovery and develop viable communities within the parish by expanding economic opportunities for small businesses and non-profit organizations that were impacted by Hurricane Isaac in 2012.

Parish Public Information Officer Baileigh Rebowe said businesses can apply for funding to purchase equipment, inventory and/or to provide working capital for identified expenses that could support operations for up to two years, adding awards will be based on Community Development Block Grant eligibility and the availability of program funding.

Saulny said available funds total $4 million.

The first meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the West Bank Community Center, located at 173 E. 3rd St. in Edgard.

Another meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the LaPlace library, located at 2920 New Highway 51 in LaPlace.