Co-written by EAP Financial Analysts: William Anderson and Tyra Kidd
On a Tuesday, we showed up at Orlandeaux’s Cross Lake Café. While waiting to be seated, we took in the views of Cross Lake and chatted with both visitors and fellow members of the community before grabbing a table. From the stuffed shrimp appetizer for the table to the Cajun specialty entrees, it was an absolute smash. While Black-owned restaurants like Orlandeaux’s and Eddie’s are well known for their historic significance and local flavor, many non-restaurant ventures are also carving out impressive legacies rooted in performance, professionalism, and innovation. These entrepreneurs are not only creating jobs and generating revenue, they’re also shaping the future of key industries such as construction, real estate, marketing, and creative services.
In recent years, Black entrepreneurs in Shreveport have had success across multiple high-growth sectors. In construction and real estate development, firms like Hall Builders are tackling both residential and commercial projects, transforming the Shreveport’s landscape and other cities nationwide. In marketing and branding, Kalli Combs — founder of Social Pal Kal — is helping businesses sharpen their digital presence and reach new audiences. Her work has enabled numerous local businesses to expand their reach and customer engagement, demonstrating the power of tailored digital strategies. As Kalli explains, “I chose Shreveport because it’s more than just my hometown; it’s the place that taught me how to hustle, stay grounded, and think creatively. Building my business here was my way of pouring back into the same community that built me, while also showing that innovation and impact don’t have to come from the ‘big cities.'”
Sylvester Marshall, through his agency The Social Circle, curates standout events like Rock the Clock and The Rose Festival — bringing thousands of guests from across Louisiana together for commerce, culture, and community in one package.
Beyond these, Shreveport’s tech landscape is also seeing significant contributions. CyberReef, an EAP portfolio company founded by Hilton Nicholson, stands out by providing innovative solutions to help businesses manage mobile data effectively and efficiently. Their pioneering technology is crucial for optimizing connectivity and operations for companies across various industries, showcasing how local entrepreneurs are addressing critical modern business needs.
Black owned businesses contribute significantly to Shreveport’s economic vitality by circulating dollars within the community, expanding access to employment, and supporting community events. As these businesses grow, they increase local tax revenues and strengthen the city’s overall economic resilience. Many are reinvesting directly into the community they serve, hiring local talent, and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs — building an ecosystem of opportunity that extends far beyond individual success stories.
This growing momentum will be celebrated at the upcoming Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce’s annual Minority Business Opportunity Awards (MBOA) Banquet as well as the Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce’s (SBAACC) Annual Small Business Awards Gala. These events honor the achievements of minority-owned businesses and highlight their contributions to regional growth. Events like the MBOA Banquet and Small Business Awards Gala not only recognize excellence — they also inspire broader support and visibility, ensuring that Black entrepreneurship continues to thrive in Shreveport.
A vibrant mix of entrepreneurs drives competition, widens opportunity, and makes our economy more adaptable and more profitable; because here’s the business case: diversity fuels competition, innovation, and resilience. A vibrant mix of entrepreneurs doesn’t just make our economy more reflective of our community — it makes it more dynamic, more sustainable, and more profitable. For Shreveport to continue to thrive in today’s competitive market, we need every player on the field and that means recognizing, supporting, and investing in all opportunities within our community as critical engines of growth.
Each of the businesses highlighted plays a vital role in strengthening our local economy — and that’s exactly what fuels EAP’s passion for entrepreneurship in North Louisiana. People from every background, culture, and community have the chance to build something meaningful and leave a lasting mark. Whether it’s through financial modeling, accessing capital, or strategic guidance, EAP is here to support that journey. Because when these entrepreneurs thrive, our whole region rises. From restaurants to retail, cybersecurity to construction, marketing to manufacturing — Shreveport’s talent is bold, diverse, and on full display.