Overview: Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Accelerator Program

Overview

Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana is a free business accelerator program to help you sustain and grow your business. The 2024 cohort will consist of up to 25 participants and includes:

• 8 virtual training sessions
• Access to business tools
• 1:1 business consultations
• Mentorship and coaching
• Media and digital promotion
• Cohort and expert networking events

2024 Program Schedule

Application and Selection​

• Call for applications launched week of December 11th​
  
• Application closes January 31​
  
• Applicant selections made by February 20th
  

Micro & Small Business Accelerator 

• Launch March 4th​
  
• 8 business learning modules​
  
• Virtual delivery, once per week​
• At-home assignments​
  

​Mentorship & Coaching​

• Mentoring will take place throughout and after the 8-week Accelerator program​
  
• 1:1 Business consulting, mentoring, and coaching provided by Louisiana Small Business Development Center 

Graduation Showcase​

• Scheduled for May 4, 2024
  
• Hosted by Shell at Jazz Fest​
  
• Opportunity to network and celebrate completing the program​
  

Shell LiveWIRE Alumni​

• Access to the Shell LiveWIRE global alumni network​
  
• Global programs and competitions including Top Ten Innovators​
  

*employees and contractors of Shell and affiliated and subsidiary companies are not eligible

Selection Process and Timeline

The deadline to apply to the Accelerator is Tuesday, January 31, 2024, at 11:59PM Central Time. Applications will be evaluated and notified of selection for phone interviews no later than the week of February 5, 2024. Up to 25 selected participants will be notified of acceptance to the Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Accelerator program cohort on the week of February 19th, 2024. Applicants will be evaluated on the following:

• Meets program criteria (location, age, attendance, and business ownership)
  
• Demonstrates commitment to improving business 
• Business provides a product or service in the eligible Parishes
• Status as a micro, entrepreneur or small business owner. Diverse business owners (e.g., women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQ+, etc.) strongly encouraged to apply.

Upon successful completion of the Shell LiveWIRE Louisiana Accelerator program, graduates will receive:

• Additional Mentorship and coaching support
• Media and digital promotion
• Alumni networking events