Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about 318GrowthLab.
What is 318GrowthLab?
318GrowthLab is an AI-powered platform that helps you discover realistic business opportunities in Shreveport, Louisiana — matched to your skills, budget, interests, and goals.
Is it free to use?
Yes. Creating a profile, completing the opportunity survey, and viewing your matched results is completely free.
How does the matching work?
You complete a short 12-question profile about your budget, skills, interests, work style, and goals. Our AI evaluates each opportunity in our curated database across seven factors — user fit, local demand, feasibility, competition, revenue potential, community impact, and scalability — to generate your personalized rankings.
Are these real business opportunities?
Every opportunity in our database is researched and curated specifically for Shreveport. They are grounded in real market gaps, local demand signals, and feasible startup parameters. However, 318GrowthLab provides informational guidance — not financial, legal, or investment advice.
Why only Shreveport?
We believe deep local focus produces better results than broad generic advice. By concentrating on one city, we can provide neighborhood-level recommendations, accurate competition assessments, and genuinely relevant opportunities. We may expand to other cities in the future.
How long does the survey take?
About 3-4 minutes. It is 12 questions organized into 4 short sections.
Can I retake the survey?
Yes. You can update your profile and retake the survey anytime from your dashboard. Your matches will be regenerated based on your updated answers.
What if I already have a business idea?
Right now, 318GrowthLab focuses on matching you with curated opportunities. A "Test My Idea" feature for evaluating your own business concepts is planned for a future update.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your survey answers and profile information are private and used only to generate your personalized matches. We do not sell your data.
Who is behind 318GrowthLab?
318GrowthLab was built by people who care about Shreveport's economic future and believe that making opportunity more visible can help the city grow from within.