Since 1993, the original 1,000-square-foot Windows A Bookshop in Monroe has grown from just 5,000 books to more than 25,000 books, 500 music CDs, several thousand greeting cards and an assortment of accessories in a 2,500-square-feet area.

The local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) part of Louisiana Economic Development’s Small & Emerging Business Development (SEBD) initiative enabled owners Elisabeth Grant-Gibson and Pat Grant to computerize operations and increase business efficiency as well as design a website to complement the introduction of the company’s new talk radio show. The assistance helped them mold Windows A Bookshop from a two-person operation into a staff of 14, specializing in the book experience and locating hard-to-find books, especially those with a Louisiana connection.

• Amian Health Services
• Euro Breads and Pastries
• Pin Feathers Inc
• Spa Almaz
• Tinas Cajun Creation
• Windows A Bookshop
• Southern Sweet Potato Pie
• Forstall Art Supply
• Variety Transport
• Cafe Freret
• Vica Inc