RTS recognizes the importance of capital access to entrepreneurs and small businesses.  Recently, through our work with the Rapides Foundation, we commissioned an analysis of the capital market for small businesses in Central Louisiana.  The report, Assessment of the Capital Market in Central Louisiana identifies what gaps exist both in terms of types of capital and in skill-building services available to entrepreneurs.  Our friends Deb Markley of the RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, and Dr. David Barkley of Clemson University prepared the report.

We’re pleased to announce the newest member of the RTS team.  Jim Lott comes to us as our new Director of Workforce Development Programs.  Jim brings decades of experience to RTS, helping run  workforce development systems in three states: North Carolina, Mississippi and Maryland.  Jim has most recently worked as a consultant with the State of Mississippi in several capacities. He authored the state’s Workforce Investment Board Strategic Plan and worked to plan and develop the One-Stop University Training Institute for workforce professionals.  We’re so excited to have Jim aboard and to put him to work!  To read more about Jim and to introduce yourself to him, you can click here.