Business Startup & Expansion

St. James Parish's vibrant business and industrial community is home to 1,700 jobs in the transport and chemical industries. The parish boasts the largest supply of development-ready sites on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. With our unique mix of worldwide transport and industry, we are poised to assist in site selection, workforce development and tax incentives.

Local Incentives:

Tax Abatement- Projects involving a significant capital investment and number of jobs may qualify for St. James Parish in lieu of Tax (PILOT) Program.  This program can enable a company to substantially reduce its tax burden during the critical early phases of operation.  Companies are eligible to take advantage of the PILOT by entering into a lease-back arrangement with St. James Parish Government.  A PILOT is offered as an incentive to both new and expanding companies.  It can apply to industrial real property, such as the land or building, as well as personal property, such as equipment.  PILOTs are considered on a case-by-case basis and are based on an analysis job creator, capital investment & wage rates.  

State Incentives:

These programs are administered by Louisiana Economic Development through the LED Corporation.  For additional information on these programs, visit Louisiana Economic Development or call 225-342-5675.

Small Business Incentives

Economic Gardening Initiative- Provides customized core business strategies, market research, qualified sales leads and improved internet and technology tailored to your growing needs.

Hudson Initiative- Certification program offers greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities at the state government level.

Small & Emerging Business Development Program- Provides for developmental assistance, including entrepreneurial training, marketing, computer skills, accounting, legal and industry-specific assistance.

Small Business & Loan Guaranty Program- Provides loan guarantees to banks and other small business lenders in association with the SSBCI ranging from $5,000 to $1.5 million.

Veteran Initiative- Helps veteran-owned and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small businesses gain greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities at the state level.

Enterprise Zone- A $2,500 tax credit for each certified net, new job created and either a 4 percent sales/use tax rebate on capital expenses or 1.5 percent refund on capital investment.

Quality Jobs- Up to 6 percent rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years and either a 4 percent sales/use tax rebate on capital expenses or a 1.5 percent investment tax credit for qualifying expenses.

Incentives:

Tax Abatement- Projects involving a significant capital investment and number of jobs may qualify for St. James Parish in lieu of Tax (PILOT) Program.  This program can enable a company to substantially reduce its tax burden during the critical early phases of operation.  Companies are eligible to take advantage of the PILOT by entering into a lease-back arrangement with St. James Parish Government.  A PILOT is offered as an incentive to both new and expanding companies.  It can apply to industrial real property, such as the land or building, as well as personal property, such as equipment.  PILOTs are considered on a case-by-case basis and are based on an analysis job creator, capital investment & wage rates.  

Revolving Loan Fund-  St. James Parish encourages companies to consider the short term, low interest financing to qualified businesses that will use the funds to create or retain jobs.  The program is excellent for "gap" financing.  For additional information, please call 985-851-2900.

Free Business Counseling-  In effort to support business development in St. James Parish, one-on-one business consultation is offered by the SBDC at the Vacherie Courthouse Annex on Wednesdays and also by appointment.  To schedule an appointment call, 504-982-6190 or email: lsbdc.gnor@lsbdc.org

State Incentives:

These programs are administered by Louisiana Economic Development through the LED Corporation.  For additional information on these programs, visit Louisiana Economic Development or call 225-342-5675.

Small Business Incentives

Economic Gardening Initiative- Provides customized core business strategies, market research, qualified sales leads and improved internet and technology tailored to your growing needs.

Hudson Initiative- Certification program offers greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities at the state government level.

Small & Emerging Business Development Program- Provides for developmental assistance, including entrepreneurial training, marketing, computer skills, accounting, legal and industry-specific assistance.

Small Business & Loan Guaranty Program- Provides loan guarantees to banks and other small business lenders in association with the SSBCI ranging from $5,000 to $1.5 million.

Veteran Initiative- Helps veteran-owned and service-connected disabled veteran-owned small businesses gain greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities at the state level.

Enterprise Zone- A $2,500 tax credit for each certified net, new job created and either a 4 percent sales/use tax rebate on capital expenses or 1.5 percent refund on capital investment.

Quality Jobs- Up to 6 percent rebate on annual payroll expenses for up to 10 years and either a 4 percent sales/use tax rebate on capital expenses or a 1.5 percent investment tax credit for qualifying expenses.

Additional resources for Business and Economic Development: