Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs, or PAVE, is a partnership of Louisiana Economic Development, Louisiana Small Business Development Center Network, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Louisiana National Guard. The program offers Louisiana veterans the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively start or manage a business.

PAVE begins with three online courses which veterans can take at any time of day or night. Upon completing the self-paced coursework, veterans register for a virtual boot camp. Boot camp instructors help veterans analyze the feasibility of their business plan and introduce them to business resources, including tools specific to veteran-owned businesses. Upon completion of the boot camp, veterans are connected with a consultant for long-term business support.

PAVE is open to active-duty personnel and reservists in good standing, as well as veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

For more information, contact Stephanie Hartman at 225.342.5677 or Stephanie.Hartman@la.gov