Recovery grants help many small business owners stay afloat RITA LEBLEU, Lake Charles American Press May 15, 2021 FacebookTwitterEmail LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has helped over 100 small businesses through its Pathway to Small Business Recovery grant. The program was initially made possible by a $150,000 seed grant from Sempra Energy foundation. The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana donated the second round of funds, and Cheniere Foundation donated $100,000 for the third round. Tina Higgins, Cruise Planners, is a full-service travel agent that plans cruises and land travel. Like more than 300 others, she did not receive the $3,000 grant when she submitted her application the first time around, but those applicants were considered during the next funding cycle.