Incentives & Financing

Local Programs

The City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish offer several economic development incentives to support business growth and investment. Here's an overview:

Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program is an economic development incentive used in Louisiana to attract and retain businesses by offering property tax abatements.

Enterprise Zone Program A jobs incentive program providing Louisiana income and franchise tax credits to new or existing businesses creating permanent net new full-time jobs, with a requirement that at least 35% of those new jobs are filled by individuals from targeted groups. 

Restoration Tax Abatement Offers a five-year, 100% property tax abatement for the rehabilitation of existing structures located within economic development districts, with the possibility of a five-year renewal. 

Small and Emerging Business Program Designed to provide small and emerging businesses with contracting and purchasing opportunities to level the playing field, enhancing economic development within the Parish. Qualifications include a business net worth of less than $1.5 million and 51% ownership by individuals with a personal net worth of $400,000 or less. caddo.gov

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Incentives The DDA offers various programs to support businesses in the downtown area, including:

• Programming Mini Grants: Up to $250 for events that promote development within the Downtown Development District.
• Lighting Grant: Up to $2,000 to improve exterior and interior lighting, enhancing safety and appeal.
• Low-Interest Loan Program: Financial assistance for facade restoration, residential development, roof repair, and more, with loans up to $100,000 at a fixed 5% interest rate. downtownshreveport.com

These incentives aim to foster a business-friendly environment, encouraging investment and development within Shreveport and Caddo Parish.

State Programs

LED FastStart Provides customized employee recruitment, screening, and training at no cost for eligible new or expanding companies. 

Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) Offers an 80% property tax abatement for up to 10 years on new manufacturing investments. 

Quality Jobs Program Provides a cash rebate to eligible companies that create well-paid jobs and promote economic development. 

Enterprise Zone Program A jobs incentive program providing Louisiana income and franchise tax credits to qualified businesses that create new jobs. 

Digital Interactive Media and Software Program Offers up to a 25% tax credit on qualified payroll for in-state labor coupled with an 18% tax credit on qualified production expenditures. 

Research and Development Tax Credit Encourages Louisiana businesses to establish or expand research and development activities within the state. 

Angel Investor Tax Credit Provides up to a 25% tax credit for investments in early-stage, wealth-creating businesses seeking start-up and expansion capital. 

Federal Opportunity Zones A federal capital gains tax incentive program designed to drive long-term investments to low-income communities. 

For more specific information on the above programs go to:  opportunitylouisiana.gov

These programs are designed to enhance Louisiana's business environment by offering financial incentives, tax credits, and support services to foster economic growth and job creation.