CAPITAL

THE TIMING COULD NOT BE BETTER

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) presents an unprecedented opportunity for Black entrepreneurs and other underserved founders in Louisiana to receive up to $90 million in venture funding as well as $23 million in traditional debt financing. While the lack of investment in BIPOC startups continues to be a nationwide impediment, capital resources in Greater New Orleans continue to grow and evolve.

This infusion of capital – the likes of which our State has never seen before – will be transformational.

Capital Resources specific to BIPOC founders

Funding opportunities available in New Orleans

To access an expanded list of capital resources in the Greater New Orleans region, please visit STARTUP NOLA.

Startup-Friendly Policies

Louisiana takes the initiative to invest in the success of founders by offering competitive business incentives to startups and investors that are generating jobs and driving innovation. Founders and investors can leverage a rich suite of tax incentives and state-funded programs, including:

Digital Interactive Media and Software Program – 25% rebate on in-state software development payroll expenses
Angel Investor Tax Credit – 25% tax credit on investments by accredited investors into certified startups (35% for Opportunity Zone startups)
Quality Jobs Rebate – Up to 6% cash rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years
Research and Development Tax Credit – Up to 30% tax credit for Louisiana businesses to establish or continue research and development within the state
Louisiana Innovation Retention Program – $3,000 to $5,000 grants for founders preparing Phase I and Phase II SBIR/STTR federal grant applications; up to $50,000 or $100,000 grants for Louisiana founders who have received a Phase I or Phase II award

In recent years, there have been more than a dozen major exits in New Orleans – including Lucid ($1.1B), SunPro Solar ($850M), Levelset ($500M), and Geocent (undisclosed) – many of which leveraged incentives to scale, driving significant returns to investors from across the country and globe.

Click here to learn more about Louisiana tax credits and incentives and required eligibility criteria.

Startup NOIR NOLA Ecosystem