Message from the Clinic Director

Dear Friends and Supporters,

After spending the last four years with the Clinic, I feel very honored and privileged to be writing this message. This is a special time in our history largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its immense economic costs for our small business communities and detrimental impacts to vulnerable populations throughout Louisiana.

Affordable legal services have a significant part to play in rebuilding the Louisiana economy and making it the best place to start and scale a business regardless of one's financial resources. It is clear that tailored legal support from professionals who understand the

different legal challenges that small business owners face creates a real difference to success rates. The financial support and business development are vital, but help in turning these business ventures into legally sustainable ones is as important.

When we established the Technology and Entrepreneurship Clinic, we did so in order to improve the life chances of starting and growing businesses in and around Baton Rouge. Today, we are proud to serve clients from every corner of the State. Next year, we will continue to expand our commitment to assisting small businesses and improving communities by building community relationships and helping businesses thrive in peripheral rural settings.

I would also like to take this opportunity to put on record my thanks to our sponsors and partners for their considerable assistance in the advancement of this Clinic. Thanks to the support and kindness of so many, 2021 was our most impactful year yet.

I truly hope you read this report and feel motivated to get involved and make a difference.

Marina A. Biragova

Clinic Director