ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) - There’s no secret that many businesses across the area have closed down for a variety of factors. However, the small business sector has seen a rise in formations since January, and with a potentially positive outlook across the entire region’s economy, it’s why many say small businesses in Cenla are the backbone of the region’s economy.

275 new small businesses opened their doors across the region, according to numbers based on the first three quarters of 2025, stemming from the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber President Deborah Randolph said, “Collectively, they are large employers, if we add up all of the small businesses in our region. They employ our citizens. They pay taxes. They support charitable organizations in our community. The

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