Q: What can I do to help my business grow?
A: Growth can come from a variety of sources, including expansion into new markets, government contracting, or international trade. The decision on how you should grow your business will depend on the type of business you own and your available resources. Explore the resources and opportunities available to help you grow your business.
Q: Does the state or federal government offer grants to assist in growing my business?
A: Typically, there are no grants at the state or federal level to operate a small business. Announcements for counseling, training, or research grants will appear on www.grants.gov. Additional federal grant information can be found at www.cfda.gov.
Q: Where can I find business assistance in my area?
A: Throughout Louisiana, there are several organizations available to assist you with your business. If there is a specific type of assistance you are looking for, explore our Grow a Business page for a brief description of the different resource providers. You can also browse our Regional Resources to see what is available near you.
Q: How can I market my business to the state government?
A: The Hudson and Veteran Initiative certifications are a great way for eligible companies to gain greater access to state contract and purchasing opportunities. You can also register your business as a vendor with the Office of State Purchasing, so they can notify you about contracting and purchasing opportunities that come available. In addition, you should reach out to the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center for assistance with the bidding process. For more information, visit the Doing Business with the Government section of the Grow a Business page.
Q: How do I get started exporting my product(s) or service(s)?
A: The U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Export Assistance Center, and the World Trade Center are great allies for any business owner who is trying to develop an international market for their product or service. You can start by contacting them or just browsing the resources and information available on their websites. In addition, if you qualify for the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program, you may be eligible to receive up to $9,000 to help you participate in export development activities. Browse our Grow a Business Page for more information on these international trade resources.
Q: What is the LED Digital Media tax credit, and how do I get more information?
A: Louisiana’s Digital Interactive Media and Software Development tax credit – the strongest of its kind in the nation – is helping digital media and software development companies of all sizes gain a competitive edge. Read more about this tax credit and other LED incentives.