SLCC, SBDC, MEP of Louisiana and Guidry’s Catfish representatives are, front row: Heidi Melancon, Phillip Russo, Josh Guidry, Cherrie Guidry, Jason Guidry, Cassie Adams, Baxter Saucier, Dayna Blanchard and Kayla, Gentry Back row: Lauren Titus, Emily DiStefano, Steven Mathews and Anthony Baham.
SLCC helps business get $7M grant
South Louisiana Community College, SBDC of Louisiana (Small Business Development Center), and MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) of Louisiana partnered to prepare a proposal for a $7 million grant that was ultimately awarded to Processors, LLC, which does business as Guidry’s Catfish.
The business is located in St. Martin Parish.
Processor’s LLC currently operates at maximum capacity to process farm-raised catfish and related products that are sold for retail and foodservice distribution. The $7 million awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program is designed to improve supply-chain operations within food manufacturing. Processor’s LLC will be using the funds to add a facility, modernize their processing equipment, and develop new value-added catfish products.
Rural Business Development Grants are intended to bolster the economies of rural areas or towns and increase jobs. SLCC’s Workforce Department, SBDC of LA, and MEPOL partnered together in coordination with Processor’s LLC to maximize the grant applications opportunity for success.
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana is a sponsored program of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System serving Louisiana manufacturers statewide. The SBDC of Louisiana works hand-in-hand with these two educational entities to provide entrepreneurs with the resources they need to thrive.
"SLCC and the Corporate College team is honored to be a part of this collaborative grant venture,” says Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Steven Mathews. “The Corporate College team is very excited and looking forward to a continued partnership with Processors, LLC (Guidry’s Catfish). The $7 million awarded grant will ultimately benefit our local communities with employment opportunities due to the planned facility additions. We are looking forward to long and productive partnership with this great company and its amazing representatives.”
Processor’s LLC, one of the earliest pioneers in the U.S. catfish industry, opened in 1976 and has been innovating ever since. This Breaux Bridge-based operation currently employs over 180 people and has been cultivating a workforce that preserves Louisiana’s rural identity.
SLCC created its Economic and Workforce Development division in 2015 to offer continuing education courses, leisure learning programs, and customized training for businesses across its eight-parish footprint in Acadiana. Its focus is providing short-term training programs to prepare residents to meet the demands of area businesses.