The world can be a scary place for small business owners, but Baton Rouge locals will soon find safety at Entrepreneur Headquarters.
Jared Loftus, president of the North Gate Merchants Association and owner of Ninja Snowballs, Tiger District and Taco de Paco, is one of the founders of the EHQ, which is set to open its first location in Perkins Rowe on May 1.
Loftus said the EHQ will offer affordable work spaces to small business owners in Baton Rouge.
Loftus said the group, which includes local business owners Louis DeAngelo and Chad Ortte, wants to foster the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Baton Rouge.
“The entrepreneurial conversation going on in Baton Rouge is increasing,” Loftus said. “There’s more talk, there’s more enthusiasm.”
In a recent study by The Business Journals, Baton Rouge ranked 14th on a list of the best cities for launching businesses.
According to The Business Journals’ website, the study ranked cities by analyzing economies, populations and recent business growth.
Loftus said he thinks it’s important for entrepreneurs to receive help when they first start businesses.
“There’s been Startup Weekend and Entrepreneur Day and events like that, but day to day, there’s not really anything to help,” he said.
Loftus said the founders haven’t nailed down an exact rent amount, but they have estimated numbers.
He said business owners will spend about $350 per month to use a public space with shared desks.
He said it will cost business owners about $500 per month to rent private desks and $750 per month for private offices.
Loftus said all EHQ members will be able to use the Internet, conference spaces and other amenities in the building.
EHQ has seen a positive response since word of the group’s latest endeavor spread, Loftus said.
He said he met people at the Startup Weekend event who were interested in joining.
Loftus said he thinks it’s important for entrepreneurs in Baton Rouge to meet others with similar ideas because it encourages them to continue their efforts.
“Sometimes when you’re an entrepreneur, you feel like an island,” he said. “You feel like you’re on your own.”
Loftus said the founders haven’t decided on the exact length of each lease, but contracts will be short.
“When I first moved to Baton Rouge, I had to sign a three-year lease for Tiger District,” he said. “That was really hard for me to do. That’s a big commitment.”
Loftus said the 3,000 square-foot space will likely be able to accommodate 25 to 30 entrepreneurs and the founders plan to open a larger location downtown soon.
 
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Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]