LaunchBR supports small businesses across East Baton Rouge Parish by connecting them to capital, contracting opportunities, and hands-on business support.
We exist to bridge the gaps that hold businesses back so you can grow, compete, and access real opportunities.
What is LaunchBR?
LaunchBR is MetroMorphosis’s small business development initiative serving entrepreneurs across East Baton Rouge Parish, supporting over 365 businesses since 2018. We focus on helping small and local businesses grow by improving access to capital, expanding connections to contracting opportunities, and providing the support needed to move to the next stage of business.
Our work is grounded in a simple belief: when small businesses grow, communities strengthen from within.
Access to Capital
We work with small and emerging businesses to assess financial readiness, identify funding needs, and prepare them to access capital. Through our Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), we connect businesses to micro-loans and provide guidance on financial documentation, financial projections, and responsible use of funds to support sustainability and growth.
Access to Opportunities
We connect small and local businesses to real contracting opportunities by working closely with public agencies and large scale buyers to understand upcoming opportunities and procurement needs. Through initiatives like BRPOP and MOVEBR, we help businesses navigate requirements, build relationships, and position themselves to compete for and secure work.
1:1 Business Support
We engage with business owners to understand their business structure, goals, and challenges, and develop a tailored plan to move their business forward. Through one-on-one coaching and technical assistance, businesses receive support to strengthen operations, improve financial management, and prepare for long term sustainability.
What is the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)?
The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is designed to help small businesses access capital while building the financial foundation needed for long-term growth. In partnership with Essential Credit Union, LaunchBR connects business owners to micro-loans of up to $10,000 and provide the support needed to prepare for and successfully manage that funding.
Through the RLF, businesses work through key financial readiness benchmarks, including organizing financial documents, strengthening cash flow management practices, and developing a clear plan for how funds will be used. This process ensures that businesses are not only able to access capital, but are also positioned to use it effectively to scale, take on new opportunities, and grow with intention.
This approach goes beyond a one-time loan. By combining capital with technical assistance and ongoing support, the RLF helps businesses build the capacity needed to access additional funding in the future and continue scaling over time. As funds are repaid, they are reinvested to support other entrepreneurs, creating a cycle of growth and opportunity across Baton Rouge.
MoveBR
What is MOVEBR Small Business Outreach (SBO)?
LaunchBR serves as the Small Business Outreach (SBO) Team for the MOVEBR Program, working to connect small and local businesses to real contracting opportunities across East Baton Rouge Parish. Our role is to ensure that businesses are not only aware of upcoming work, but are prepared to participate and compete.
Through this work, we engage directly with business owners to build awareness, strengthen capacity, and create a clear pathway to doing business with the City-Parish. This includes helping businesses understand procurement requirements, navigate certification processes, and position themselves for opportunities aligned with their services and experience.
MOVEBR opportunities span a range of industries within road construction, including construction, engineering/design, project management, and right-of-way services. Rather than simply sharing opportunities, we focus on preparing businesses to access them, building the relationships and readiness needed to compete for and secure contracts over time.
Stay Connected to Upcoming Opportunities
As part of our Small Business Outreach work, MOVEBR hosts monthly 1st Thursday Calls to help small businesses stay informed, prepared, and connected to upcoming opportunities. Each call provides updates from the MOVEBR program management team on projects moving forward, including contracting and bidding opportunities that may be a fit for small businesses.
The calls also feature guest speakers who share practical resources, information, and lessons learned to help business owners better position themselves for MOVEBR opportunities. Topics may include certification, training, business insurance, marketing and other skills that support contract readiness.
These calls are designed to help small, minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned businesses understand what is coming, what is required, and how to take the next step toward participating in MOVEBR project work.
BRPOP
What is BRPOP?
The Baton Rouge Procurement Opportunity Partnership (BRPOP) connects businesses to real contracting opportunities with corporate and government buyers across the Capitol region. Through this initiative, LaunchBR works to ensure businesses are visible and prepared to engage and compete within established supply chains.
At the center of BRPOP is a Procurement Council made up of procurement leaders from major organizations who are actively looking to work with qualified local vendors. This creates a direct line between small businesses and decision-makers responsible for awarding contracts.
Our role is to help you get in position. We work with businesses to build capacity, understand procurement expectations, and align their services according to the available opportunities. Through curated connections, matchmaking events, and ongoing engagement, businesses are able to move beyond visibility and into meaningful participation in the local economy.
Vendor Connect
Vendor Connect is a structured matchmaking experience designed to connect small businesses directly with corporate and government buyers. Rather than leaving introductions to chance, we coordinate focused, one-on-one or small group conversations that align your business with buyers based on services, capacity, and opportunity areas.
These sessions are designed to help you do more than introduce your business; they help you understand what buyers are looking for, how to position your services, and what steps to take next to pursue contracting opportunities. Vendor Connect creates space for real conversations, relationship-building, and follow-up actions that can move your business closer to securing work.
How Launch BR Works
Step 2:
Meet With Our Team
We’ll learn about your business, your goals, and where you need support.
Step 3:
Build Your Plan
Together, we create a customized work plan with clear next steps and resources.
Step 4:
Access Opportunities
Get connected to capital, contracts, and the support aligned with your business.
Step 5:
Grow With Support
Receive ongoing coaching, connections, and check-ins to keep your business moving forward.
Our Impact
At LaunchBR, impact shows up in real business outcomes. When small businesses are connected to capital, contracts, and the right support, they are able to grow, increase revenue, and create jobs.
The data below reflects what happens when businesses are intentionally supported, not only with resources but with guidance and access to real opportunities. These results represent businesses moving forward, building capacity, and contributing to a stronger Baton Rouge economy.
What We've Achieved (and counting...)
- Supported 167+ businesses in the Capital Region
- Started BR’s 1st procurement council, involved 14 large-scale procurement partners
- Facilitated $15.7M in contracts through MOVEBR & BRPOP
- Distributed $125,000 of capital investment to small business owners
- Deployed $142.5K in loans through RLF
- Made a full $20,000 recycling of funds for capital lending
Ready to Move Your Business Forward?
Whether you’re looking for capital, contracts, or guidance, LaunchBR equips you to take the next step in your business journey.
Contact Our Team: LaunchBR@MetroMorphosis.net
