Louisiana is an excellent place to do business. As the information provided on this page demonstrates, the state is committed to providing support and incentives for businesses locating in Louisiana. Institutions of higher education like LSUE, as well as the state's community colleges and vocational-technical institutions, will work with any business to provide training or other services. The people of Louisiana share traditional values, including a strong work ethic. The state is also rich in a variety of natural resources. For more information about Louisiana, contact the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, P. O. Box 94185, Baton Rouge, LA 70804; phone (225) 342-3000. Click here for a listing of all of the categories information available on the web through the department.
As a result of infusion of money to help with reconstruction after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the state's economy has rebounded, while people in affected areas continue to work to restore their lives. A number of federal programs like the Gulf Opportunity Zone, Renewal Communities, and the New Markets Tax Credit are providing incentives for new investments. Click here for a list of agencies in the affected areas.
Louisiana has eight Planning and Development Districts that provide services that could be of assistance to those considering starting, relocating, or expanding a business in Louisiana. Acadia, Evangeline, and St. Landry Parishes are part of the Acadiana Regional Development District. Jeff Davis Parish is in District 5, Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development District.
LSUE offers individual assistance to businesses on request (depending on availability of resources). Contact the Division of Business and Technology, LSUE, P. O. Box 1129, Eunice, LA 70535, (337) 550-1313 (flandry@lsue.edu) or the Office of Continuing Education, (337) 550-1390 (dpulling@lsue.edu). The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Small Business Development Center may be contacted at Box 43732, Lafayette, LA 70504, (337) 262-5344.
Information on business licenses and permits is available from the Secretary of State, First Stop Shop Division, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125; phone: 1-800-259-0001.
Louisiana's package of incentives for business includes property tax exemptions for manufacturing facilities, tax credits for jobs, enterprise zones, inventory tax credits, and innovative financing programs. For the latest information and more details, go to the Louisiana Department of Economic Development's pages on state incentives.
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Updated August 2007