Bonding Assistance Program
Louisiana Economic Development
Bond guarantee up to 25% of contract price or $100,000, whichever is less
OpenOtherHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: The state does not issue bonds; the surety decides bondability; default mitigation funds can only be drawn after the first contract draw and not for mobilization; allow at least seven business days.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Certified Small and Emerging Business Development (SEBD) Program clients that require bid, payment or performance surety bonds.
- How to apply
- Direct application: apply for SEBD certification at the LED small business portal, then contact a participating bonding agent to request the surety company's application; the surety underwrites and determines whether the program's guarantee is needed.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- Bond guarantee up to 25% of contract price or $100,000, whichever is less
- Submit via
- url: https://smallbiz.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/Account/Login;
Collateral Support Program (SSBCI)
Louisiana Economic Development
Up to $250,000 in collateral support on loans up to $1 million
OpenLoanHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: 10% minimum equity; the lender must still approve and underwrite the loan; no refinancing or owner-to-owner buyouts.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling while SSBCI funds last.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Businesses authorized to do business in Louisiana with a Louisiana office and 100 or fewer employees, for business purposes such as start-up costs, working capital, equipment, inventory or an eligible place of business (not passive real estate). The same ineligible business list as other Louisiana SSBCI programs applies (e.g. new restaurants, bars, gaming, refinancing, speculative real estate).
- How to apply
- Through a lender: download the Collateral Support application, contact an LED Preferred Lender or any Louisiana insured bank, credit union or CDFI, and complete the lender's loan application; the lender submits the CSP application to LEDC for committee or board review.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- Up to $250,000 in collateral support on loans up to $1 million
- Funding source
- Federal
- Contact
- name: Marissa Doin; email: [email protected]; tel: 225-342-5883;
Digital Interactive Media and Software Program
Louisiana Economic Development
25% of qualified Louisiana payroll and 18% of qualified production expenditures; no cap
OpenTax creditScience, Technology, and Research & Development
The catch: No retroactive claims before the certification window; sales, marketing, admin and manufacturing staff and distribution equipment are non-eligible; CPA expenditure report required; the rebate option pays 85% of the credit value.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling application; eligible expenditures can begin no earlier than six months from the initial certification date (R.S. 47:6022).
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Companies producing digital interactive media products or platforms in Louisiana (games, web and mobile apps, consumer, entertainment and enterprise software, interactive devices, embedded systems). Static websites and software primarily for internal use do not qualify; only work physically performed in Louisiana and equipment bought through Louisiana businesses counts.
- How to apply
- Direct application: apply online through LED FastLane and submit the application fee and verification report fee. If approved, the Office of Entertainment Industry Development issues Initial Certification; an independent CPA assigned by OEID performs an expenditure report before Final Certification.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- 25% of qualified Louisiana payroll and 18% of qualified production expenditures; no cap
- Submit via
- url: https://fastlane.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/entertainmentlogin.aspx;
- Statutory authority
- La. R.S. 47:6022
FastSites Program
Louisiana Economic Development
$500,000 to $25 million
OpenLoanMatch 50% to 80%Housing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: Construction must start within 9 months; each project must show a return to the state and a repayment schedule under a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement; $250 advanced fee on submission plus LED's .005% application fee (up to $15,000) if awarded; funds cannot pay consultant, legal or finance fees, marketing, movable equipment, maintenance or costs incurred before approval. Incomplete applications are not accepted.
Next deadline: Dec 1, 2026 · Competitive annual round; the 2026 application period runs October 1 to December 1, 2026, with review at the end of 2026 and investments announced early 2027.
Applicant tip: Sites with Certified Site status or public-private partnerships receive priority, and publicly owned or optioned land is more competitive.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Local or regional economic development groups, cities and towns, nonprofits, redevelopment authorities and other public groups (e.g. parishes or districts). Privately owned sites are eligible if the owner commits to marketing the site for economic development and the project meets Article VII, Section 14 of the Louisiana Constitution. An application can be submitted without a specific company in mind.
- How to apply
- Direct application: download the FastSites Application Workbook from the LED page and email the completed Excel file and required documents (budget, proof of match, repayment schedule, ROI explanation, letters of support from the regional economic development organization, state representative and state senator) to [email protected]. A $250 advanced fee is due on submission.
- Applicant types
- Public Agency, Nonprofit
- Award size
- $500,000 to $25 million
- Funding source
- State
- Match
- 50% to 80%
- Submit via
- url: mailto:[email protected];
- Contact
- email: [email protected];
- Statutory authority
- Act 365 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session; LAC Title 13 (Site Investment and Infrastructure Improvement Fund)
High-Impact Jobs Program
Louisiana Economic Development
8% to 22% of qualifying new-job wages (wages above $200,000 per job not eligible)
OpenGrantHousing, Community and Economic DevelopmentEmployment, Labor & Training
The catch: Reimbursement only: the earliest claim is July 1, 2026 or after 12 months of payroll, whichever is later; an independent Louisiana CPA assigned by LED must perform an expenditure verification report before LED pays; application fee and EVR deposit required; a company cannot hold active High Impact Jobs and Quality Jobs contracts for the same period; only the first $200,000 of a job's annual wages counts.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling; a contract can start no earlier than the date LED receives the application and fees and no later than 180 days after. Initial three-year contract with an option to renew for two years.
Applicant tip: Check the HIP Parish Wages table and the program map for your project location before applying; distressed parishes qualify at a lower wage threshold.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Companies of all sizes creating at least one new job that meets program requirements: full-time, at-will, directly employed, filled onsite or remotely by Louisiana residents, with a basic health benefits plan, and new to the state. Ineligible: gaming, retail, professional sports teams, state and political subdivision enterprises, automotive rental and leasing, local solid waste, sewage and water systems, legal and accounting services, telemarketing and call centers, solar farms, and sole proprietorships.
- How to apply
- Direct application: complete the HIP application posted on the LED page and email it to [email protected]; LED then sends payment instructions for the application fee and the expenditure verification report (EVR) deposit, and begins review once both are paid.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- 8% to 22% of qualifying new-job wages (wages above $200,000 per job not eligible)
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement(s)
- Submit via
- url: mailto:[email protected];
- Contact
- email: [email protected];
Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP)
Louisiana Economic Development
80% property tax abatement for up to 10 years
OpenTax creditHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: Must file before beginning construction; application deficiencies not cured within 90 days of LED's written request cancel the application; annual property reports required; renewal must be filed in the final year of the initial term; Local ITEP Committee recommendations are advisory and the Board and governor make the final decision.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling; the Project Application must be filed before construction begins. Annual Project Property Reports are due by March 31 each year (October 31 in Orleans Parish).
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Businesses must be a manufacturer or related to the manufacturing at the project site; a NAICS code beginning with 31, 32 or 33 is the preliminary qualification criterion, and a detailed description of the manufacturing activities must be provided.
- How to apply
- Direct application: submit a Project Application with the application fee in LED FastLane NextGen before construction or installation begins. LED reviews it, then the Local ITEP Committee (45-day review), the Department of Revenue and Workforce Commission review it, and the Board of Commerce and Industry considers it; the contract goes to the governor for final approval.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- 80% property tax abatement for up to 10 years
- Funding source
- State
- Submit via
- url: https://fastlaneng.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/;
- Statutory authority
- ITEP Rules for Project Applications filed on or after March 20, 2025 (Louisiana Administrative Code)
LA Phase Zero Program (SBIR/STTR Phase 0 grant)
Louisiana Economic Development
Up to $3,000 (Phase I proposal) or $5,000 (Phase II proposal)
Confirm with agencyGrantScience, Technology, and Research & Development
The catch: Funds are limited to proposal-preparation costs; the federal SBIR/STTR award itself is a separate competitive application.
Next deadline: Varies — check official page · No application window is published; request Phase 0 assistance through the LTTO interest form.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Louisiana small businesses and innovators preparing SBIR/STTR Phase I or Phase II proposals to a federal agency, working with the LTTO.
- How to apply
- Direct application: complete the LTTO innovation interest form (Cognito form linked from the page) and indicate interest in Phase 0 grant assistance; an LED team member follows up to build a personalized plan.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- Up to $3,000 (Phase I proposal) or $5,000 (Phase II proposal)
- Funding source
- State
- Submit via
- url: https://www.cognitoforms.com/LouisianaEconomicDevelopment1/InnovationInterestForm;
- Contact
- name: Hutch McClendon, LTTO Director, Phase 0 and FAST Contact; email: [email protected]; tel: 225-202-2908;
LED FastStart
Louisiana Economic Development
Varies — check official page
Confirm with agencyIn-kindEmployment, Labor & TrainingHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: Discretionary: there is no entitlement; only new or expanding companies with a distinct project aligned with the state strategic plan are considered.
Next deadline: Varies — check official page · Discretionary, project-by-project; no application window is published.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Delivered as a discretionary incentive: companies with a distinct project that meet eligibility requirements and align with Louisiana's economic development targets, consistent with LED's 2025 Comprehensive Statewide Strategic Plan, will be considered.
- How to apply
- Direct application: contact LED FastStart through the Contact Us link on the program page; the FastStart team analyzes the company's operation and designs the program, with final approval of all plans resting with the client.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- Varies — check official page
Live Performance Production Incentive Program
Louisiana Economic Development
7% to 18% of certified Louisiana spend, plus 7% on resident payroll; up to $1 million per project per year
OpenTax creditLibraries and Arts
The catch: $100,000 minimum Louisiana spend; $1 million per-project annual cap; salaries count only up to the first $1 million per person; CPA expenditure verification required; credit is refundable or transferable on a one-time basis.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling application, subject to a $10 million annual program cap ($5 million reserved for not-for-profit organizations).
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Concert, theatrical and other live productions that originate or debut in Louisiana, with a $100,000 minimum in-state expenditure. Qualifying productions include pre-Broadway engagements and tryouts, remounts, resident or regional productions, and national touring companies and concert tours producing their first public performance in Louisiana.
- How to apply
- Direct application: complete the application form linked on the LED page and submit it with all information and fees (application and expenditure verification report deposit). The Office of Entertainment Industry Development issues Initial Certification, the production submits a cost report for CPA review, and OEID issues Final Certification.
- Applicant types
- Business, Nonprofit
- Award size
- 7% to 18% of certified Louisiana spend, plus 7% on resident payroll; up to $1 million per project per year
Louisiana Growth Fund
Louisiana Economic Development
$250,000 to $1 million
OpenOtherMatch 100%Science, Technology, and Research & DevelopmentHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: Dilutive equity, not a grant; you must bring a 1:1 private match; SAFEs are not accepted.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling; the page states it is now accepting applications.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Louisiana-based C-corporations (or ready to convert) with scalable, revenue-generating business models at seed to Series A stage, any industry except lifestyle businesses, with committed private match funding from VCs, angels or family offices.
- How to apply
- Direct application: submit the online application linked from the page (HubSpot form); allow up to 3 weeks for a response, then a 4-6 week diligence process by contracted fund manager Yellow Ventures.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- $250,000 to $1 million
- Funding source
- Federal
- Match
- 100%
- Submit via
- url: https://share.hsforms.com/1SjBbgWhyQgyCdzdIuXmDmAtkq3w;
- Contact
- email: [email protected];
Louisiana Seed Capital Program (SSBCI)
Louisiana Economic Development
Varies — check official page
Confirm with agencyOtherHousing, Community and Economic DevelopmentScience, Technology, and Research & Development
The catch: This is dilutive investment, not a grant: participating funds take an investor stake and set their own terms.
Next deadline: Varies — check official page · Application process and timing vary by participating fund.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Businesses authorized to do business in Louisiana with a Louisiana office and 500 or fewer employees, for eligible business purposes; gaming, pyramid sales, financial services, speculative real estate, buyouts, refinancing and federally prohibited businesses are ineligible.
- How to apply
- Through a participating fund: the application process varies by fund; contact the approved equity funds listed on the page (e.g. Boot64 Ventures, New Orleans Startup Fund, Ochsner Ventures, Propeller, The Idea Village) directly.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- Varies — check official page
- Funding source
- Federal
Micro Lending Program (SSBCI)
Louisiana Economic Development
$1,000 to $100,000
OpenLoanHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: It is a loan that must be repaid; application process and terms vary by participating lender.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling while SSBCI funds last.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Businesses authorized to do business in Louisiana with a Louisiana office and 100 or fewer employees, for eligible business purposes; the Louisiana SSBCI ineligible business list applies (e.g. food operations under 2 years old, bars, gaming, financial services, refinancing).
- How to apply
- Through a lender: contact an LEDC-approved Micro Lending lender listed on the page (e.g. Carter Credit Union, Essential Credit Union, JEDCO), request an MLP application and complete the lender's process; the lender submits the package to LED for committee review and closes the loan if approved.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- $1,000 to $100,000
- Funding source
- Federal
- Contact
- name: Lauren Cullins; email: [email protected]; tel: 225-342-5553;
Motion Picture Production Program
Louisiana Economic Development
25% base credit, up to 40% of qualified Louisiana spend
OpenTax creditLibraries and ArtsHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: $300,000 minimum Louisiana spend ($50,000 for Louisiana screenplays); payroll counts only up to $3 million per person; above-the-line salaries capped; airfare, marketing, distribution and many fees are non-qualifying; credits can be transferred back to the state for 90% of face value less a 2% transfer fee (88% net).
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling application; credits issued subject to a $150 million per fiscal year issuance cap ($180 million claim cap).
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Motion picture production companies headquartered and domiciled in Louisiana producing nationally or internationally distributed motion pictures with total Louisiana expenditures over $300,000 ($50,000 for Louisiana screenplay productions). Televised news, sporting events and music festivals do not qualify.
- How to apply
- Direct application: complete the application online in LED FastLane NextGen with all information and fees (application fee and expenditure verification report deposit). If approved, LED issues Initial Certification; the production later submits a cost report, an independent CPA performs an expenditure verification report, and LED issues final certification.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- 25% base credit, up to 40% of qualified Louisiana spend
- Submit via
- url: https://fastlaneng.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/login;
Music Job Creation Program
Louisiana Economic Development
10% to 15% of qualifying new-job W-2 payroll
OpenTax creditLibraries and ArtsEmployment, Labor & Training
The catch: Minimum of three new jobs that did not previously exist on the company's or an affiliate's Louisiana payroll; payroll above $200,000 per job not eligible; CPA audit required before final certification.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling application.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Businesses engaged directly or indirectly in the production, distribution and promotion of music (e.g. music publishers, sound recording studios, artist management), authorized to do business in Louisiana and permanently locating or expanding in the state, that create at least three new full-time direct jobs paying $35,000 or more filled by Louisiana residents.
- How to apply
- Direct application: submit the QMC application linked on the LED page with the deposit (fees are calculated on submission). OEID/LED reviews and, if approved, enters into a contract; when W-2s are issued the company requests final certification and a CPA performs an expenditure verification report.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- 10% to 15% of qualifying new-job W-2 payroll
- Statutory authority
- La. R.S. 47:6023
Research and Development Tax Credit
Louisiana Economic Development
Up to 30% of qualified Louisiana research expenditures; no cap
Confirm with agencyTax creditScience, Technology, and Research & Development
The catch: Application fee; at least 10% of applications are selected for a statutorily required detailed review requiring W-2s, invoices, financial statements and tax returns; missing the one-year claim window forfeits the credit.
Next deadline: Varies — check official page · Annual claim window: expenditures must be claimed within one year after December 31 of the year in which they were incurred. Processing typically takes 3-6 months.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Companies that incurred research and development expenditures in Louisiana; only R&D conducted in Louisiana qualifies. Professional services firms and custom manufacturers/fabricators without a pending or issued U.S. patent related to the claimed expenditures are ineligible unless invited by the LED Secretary.
- How to apply
- Direct application: complete the R&D application and pay the fee online or by mail, with documentation for your track (Federal Form 6765 for the current and three prior tax years, or SBIR/STTR grant documents and disbursement records). LED reviews, notifies the business and the Department of Revenue, and the business then claims the credit on its state income tax return.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- Up to 30% of qualified Louisiana research expenditures; no cap
Restoration Tax Abatement (RTA)
Louisiana Economic Development
Up to 10-year property tax abatement on improvements (five-year contract, renewable for five years)
OpenTax creditHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: Requires local governing authority approval; acquisition cost of the structure or land and movable property are not eligible; non-refundable fees at each stage (Advance Notification, application, Project Completion Report, Affidavit of Final Cost, renewal); renewal needs local, Board and governor approval.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling; Advance Notification must be filed before construction begins. The Board of Commerce and Industry meets every other month (six times a year).
Applicant tip: LED suggests asking your assessor for the approximate annual tax savings to confirm the benefit outweighs the program fees.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- All Louisiana businesses and homeowners with existing structures to be expanded, restored, improved or developed in a downtown development district, historic district (including National Register properties), opportunity zone or economic development district, as approved by the local governing authority. Not available if property taxes have already been paid on the improvements.
- How to apply
- Direct application: before the project starts, submit an Advance Notification and $250 filing fee online in LED FastLane, then submit the application with fee and documentation online. LED sends it to the local governing authority for a resolution, then to the Board of Commerce and Industry; approved contracts require the governor's signature.
- Applicant types
- Business, Individual
- Award size
- Up to 10-year property tax abatement on improvements (five-year contract, renewable for five years)
- Submit via
- url: http://fastlaneng.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/;
Small Business Loan Guaranty Program (SSBCI)
Louisiana Economic Development
Guarantee of up to 80% or $1.5 million
OpenLoanHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: Guaranty fee of 0% to 2% of the guaranteed amount based on risk; 15% minimum equity; the lender's normal underwriting still applies; job creation or retention required.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling while SSBCI funds last (SSBCI is authorized for seven years).
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Businesses authorized to do business in Louisiana with a Louisiana office and 500 or fewer employees; loans of $100,000 or less must create or retain at least one job, loans over $100,000 must create at least two new permanent jobs. Ineligible: restaurants and food vendors in business under 2 years, bars, gaming, pyramid sales, financial services, speculative real estate, owner-to-owner buyouts, refinancing, amusement or camping facilities, and federally prohibited businesses.
- How to apply
- Through a lender: download the Loan Guaranty application from LouisianaSSBCI.com, contact an LED Preferred Lender or any insured bank, credit union or CDFI, and complete the lender's loan application; the lender submits the package to LEDC, whose committee or board decides.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- Guarantee of up to 80% or $1.5 million
- Funding source
- Federal
- Contact
- name: Lauren Cullins; email: [email protected]; tel: 225-342-5553;
Sound Recording Incentive Program
Louisiana Economic Development
18% of eligible spend; up to $100,000 per project per year
OpenTax creditLibraries and Arts
The catch: $25,000 minimum spend; producer fees above 20% of the budget, duplication, packaging, marketing and distribution costs are non-qualifying; related-party costs may be limited; CPA expenditure verification required.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling application, subject to a $2.16 million annual program cap.
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- Sound recording projects made and produced in Louisiana in whole or in part, with a $25,000 minimum in expenditures including at least $10,000 spent with Louisiana residents. Qualifying recordings include music and vocal tracking, film scores, spoken word and live musical performances.
- How to apply
- Direct application: complete the application form linked on the LED page and submit it with all information and the application fee. LED/OEID issues Initial Certification; the applicant later submits a cost report with an expenditure verification deposit, an independent CPA reviews it, LED/OEID issues Final Certification, and the Department of Revenue issues a rebate check.
- Applicant types
- Business, Individual
- Award size
- 18% of eligible spend; up to $100,000 per project per year
STEP Grant (State Trade Expansion Program)
Louisiana Economic Development
Up to $10,000 per company (90% reimbursement)
OpenGrantHousing, Community and Economic Development
The catch: Reimbursement only and approval does not guarantee payment; a STEP Results Form is required after each activity; travel must follow the Fly America Act and per diem limits; trade-show travelers must be registered exhibitors and company employees.
Next deadline: Rolling · Rolling; applications should be submitted before any planned eligible expense.
Applicant tip: Submit the application before undertaking any planned expense you want reimbursed; the federal funding disclosure lists a $500,000 total program cost (65% SBA, 35% non-federal).
Eligibility, how to apply, match, contact
- Eligibility
- For-profit Louisiana-based businesses that meet the SBA small business definition, have been in business at least one year, are new to export or seeking new export markets, have an export strategy, export goods or services of U.S. origin or with at least 51% U.S. content, and are not debarred from federal business. Intermediaries and companies already receiving federal funding for the same event are excluded.
- How to apply
- Direct application: review eligibility, contact LED with questions, and apply in LED FastLane before incurring the expense; LED reviews and informs the company of acceptance into the program.
- Applicant types
- Business
- Award size
- Up to $10,000 per company (90% reimbursement)
- Funding source
- Federal and State
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement(s)
- Submit via
- url: https://fastlaneng.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com/;
