Information On Incentives and Grants
Below is your go-to resource for navigating the wide array of incentives and grants available to downtown businesses. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, our downtown district is full with opportunities for growth and success. We have compiled a comprehensive list of grants and incentives available from the Shreveport DDA and DSDC, but also from city and state initiatives designed to support your business endeavors. From tax breaks and facade improvement grants to low-interest loans and innovation incentives, explore the exciting options available to help your business thrive. Let’s work together to build a prosperous downtown where businesses not only succeed but flourish.
*PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE OF LOUISIANA ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE GO TO: INCENTIVES OR SMALL BUSINESS
DDA PROGRAMMING MINI GRANTS
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) offers up to $250.00 through programming mini-grants to organizations or individuals wishing to put on events that are open to the public that promote development in and are held in the Downtown Development District and are held in the Downtown Development District.
The goal of the grant is to encourage events in downtown Shreveport to show off the history and culture of our urban core. It is not available to events that are fundraisers, political gatherings or events which are not open to the general public. Mini-grants are also not available to events that exclude persons based on race, creed or sexual orientation. Events that are free to the general public will be given preference, as will those events that attract a diverse range of participation and promote downtown building sales, business and job creation in Downtown Shreveport. Mini-grant requests must be turned in at least ONE MONTH in advance of the event to be considered for funding.
The DDA has the right to refuse any applicant if it is deemed the event does not fall under the goals of the Programming Grant.
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Application & Information (word doc)
Application & Information (pdf)
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
The event must be held in the Downtown Development District
Events can be fee-based or free, but free events are given preference
Existing events adding enhancements can qualify
First-time events can qualify
Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Grant applications will be judged on a number of criteria including the amount of matching funding, creativity of event, potential impact of event, marketing of event and how well the event meshes with the DDA Mission Statement- To actively pursue, support, facilitate and welcome initiatives that aid and encourage private development, and promote and coordinate public development within the Downtown Development District of Shreveport, LA
All necessary insurance and security must be provided by each event.
Event organizers must work with Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation’s Festival Task Force and/or police department on road closures and other issues.
Event must agree to use DDA logo on all materials and to link to the DDA website at www.downtownshreveport.com
Event organizer must complete a Grant Application and provide contact information
Event must be listed in the Shreveport-Bossier Fun Guide
Funds cannot be used for events restricted to private or exclusive participation.
Organizer must turn in any surveys that they are asked to complete
Organizer is limited to one Downtown Development Authority mini-grant every 6 months.
SUBMIT COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO:
Downtown Development Authority
416 Cotton Street
Shreveport, LA 71101
Fax: 318-222-3731
Email: dda@downtownshreveport.com
LIGHTING GRANT
Good lighting doesn’t just improve the visual appeal of your storefront; it also boosts pedestrian safety and makes it easier to find your business in the evening.
The DDA’s Lighting Improvement Micro Grant Program is designed to help businesses invest in effective exterior and interior lighting that enhances both safety and appeal from the street. For exterior lighting that enhances pedestrian safety in the public realm, a $2,000 grant is available—no match required! The only requirement is to keep the lighting on from dusk until dawn. The DDA will also assist you in selecting the ideal lighting style, type, and color to suit your business.
Interested? Click the link below to access the full application and learn more.
DSDC LOW INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM
DSDC is committed to assisting in the revitalization of downtown Shreveport. One of the ways we can help is through our low-interest loan program. This financial incentive is designed to provide rehabilitation funds to property owners and small businesses interested in renovating downtown’s older buildings.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION (PDF)
TARGETED USES ARE:
- Facade Restoration
- Residential Development
- Roof Repair/Replacement
- Sidewalk Improvements
- Sign Repair/Replacement/Creation
- Special Equipment
- Landscaping
TARGETED BUSINESSES INCLUDE:
- Grocery store or market
- Gas station
- Retail stores
- Antique stores
- Art galleries
- Office renovations in historic buildings
- Single/multifamily residential development
NOTE: BECAUSE OF THE HISTORIC INSTABILITY OF THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY, LOANS TO RESTAURANTS AND BARS WILL BE CONSIDERED ONLY FOR EXTERIOR BUILDING TREATMENTS.
INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- Loan packages are provided by the DSDC at 416 Cotton Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
- Maximum loan amount: $100,000
- Rate: Fixed 5%
- Maximum term: 10 years – Loans to tenants leasing in downtown shall not extend beyond the initial lease term.
- Loans are available for use only on properties within the Downtown Development District
- Funds are loaned on a first approved, first funded basis.
- Collateral: Loans will be secured by collateral owned by the applicant. Collateral may include the building (if the owner is the borrower), personal property or other assets.
- The State of Louisiana and the City of Shreveport sponsor a five-year tax abatement on the value of improvements to historic structures in the Downtown Development District. This incentive may be extended to an additional five years.
- The State of Louisiana and the National Park Service offers a tax credit for properties in the Downtown Development District.
- Because most of downtown Shreveport falls within a certified historic district, other tax incentives are available.
- DSDC Loan terms, conditions, and requirements are subject to change without notice.
PERFORMANCE CODE PARTNERSHIP
PERFORMANCE CODE PARTNERSHIP
DDA, in partnership with the City of Shreveport, the State Fire Marshal and others has created a process intended to save building owners both time and money. Prior to drawing plans, we request that the property owner meet with our performance code team for a preliminary review to talk through plans for- and eventual usage of- the building. This Preliminary Review will assist in identifying potential areas of concern/expense and will allow early discussion on building code and fire safety options. This is an especially important discussion if you are the owner of a historic downtown building that could fall under Historic Rehabilitation building and fire safety codes.
CITY OF SHREVEPORT DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
In an effort to re-develop and beautify the Shreveport downtown and riverfront areas, the City of Shreveport has waived all permit fees incidental to the rehabilitation or renovation including any repairs, alterations, or additions of buildings and structures located within the Downtown Development District (DDD). Qualifying buildings and structures must have been constructed prior to 1960. This waiver applies only to the Downtown Development District and does not exempt the applicant from obtaining all required permits, approvals, plans review, and inspections as required by applicable provisions of the Shreveport City Code. [ Visit Here ]
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) Loan Program assists eligible businesses with funding up to $300,000 for acquisition, new construction, equipment and/or working capital financing. The main goal of the EDI Loan Program is to increase access to capital and credit for businesses and entrepreneurs, and to provide employment and business opportunities for individuals from low-to-moderate income households. [ Visit Here ]
The City of Shreveport has received a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Grant is to offer low interest loans to help remediate contaminated properties in Shreveport. [ Visit Here ]
LA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
*PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE OF LOUISIANA ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE GO TO: INCENTIVES OR SMALL BUSINESS
The Digital Interactive Media and Software Incentive provides a tax credit of 18% of qualified production expenditures for state-certified digital interactive productions in Louisiana and 25% tax credit for payroll expenditures for Louisiana residents.
A 30% transferable tax credit on total in-state expenditures, including resident and non-resident labor, with no cap and a minimum spending requirement of $300,000. For productions using in-state labor, Louisiana offers an additional 5% payroll tax credit.
A 25% to 35% tax incentive for musical and theatrical productions and qualified infrastructure projects.
A 25% tax credit for sound recording projects made in the State of Louisiana.
One of the nation’s best state workforce training programs. Provides customized employee recruitment, screening, training development and training delivery for eligible, new or expanding companies – all at no cost.
Provides a 35% tax credit on investments by accredited investors who invest in businesses certified by Louisiana Economic Development.
A jobs incentive program that provides Louisiana income and franchise tax credits to a new or existing business located in Louisiana creating permanent net new full-time jobs, and hiring at least 35% of those net new jobs from one of four targeted groups.
Provides a cash rebate to companies that create well-paid jobs and promote economic development.
Abates, up to ten years, local property taxes (Ad Valorem) on a manufacturer’s new investment and annual capitalized additions related to the manufacturing site.
Provides a one-time refundable tax credit of up to 5% of qualified capital expenditures for existing Louisiana manufacturers making at least $5 million in improvements to an existing Louisiana manufacturing facility.
The Ports of Louisiana Investor Tax Credits Program is a tax incentive program to promote investment and use of Louisiana ports.
Provides five-year abatement of the ad valorem property taxes on the renovations and improvements of existing commercial structures and owner-occupied residences.
Provides up to a 40% tax credit on qualified research expenditures incurred in Louisiana.
Provides a 40% refundable tax credit for companies that invest in the commercialization of Louisiana technology and a 6% payroll rebate for the creation of new, direct jobs.
LA OFFICE OF CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
*PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE OF LOUISIANA ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TO FIND OUT MORE, PLEASE GO TO: INCENTIVES OR SMALL BUSINESS
The Louisiana Cultural Districts Program was created to spark community revitalization based on cultural activity though tax incentives. The program initially waived sales taxes on original art created in a cultural district, including paintings, drawings, photographs, video productions and wearable art, but that incentive has been suspended by the Louisiana Legislature at present. Contributing historic buildings in a Cultural District are also potentially eligible for state historic tax credits.
Available for properties certified as a historic building in the Downtown Shreveport Historic District or individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 20% credit is applicable to renovations and includes labor, materials and architects/engineers fees).
STATE COMMERCIAL TAX CREDIT UPDATE
During the FY2023 Regular Legislative Session, the Louisiana State Commercial Tax Credit program received further amendments that expanded the benefits of the program. Act 426 (effective August 1, 2023) provides the following:
The program will sunset on December 31, 2028.
The qualifying areas now include buildings that are individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places and those that contribute to a National Register Historic District.
The credit is increased to 25% for expenses occurred after January 1, 2023.
The credit is further increased to 35% for expenses occurred after January 1, 2023, if the property is within an area defined as Rural. The legislation uses the most recent decennial census data to define Rural as:
*A Parish with a population of less than 100,000
*A municipality with a population of less than 35,000
*An unincorporated area of a parish with a population of 100,000 or more.
A property may fall outside the census boundaries for a rural municipality or unincorporated area, but still qualify as rural if the address indicates its inclusion in a qualifying municipality or unincorporated area.
Freezes property taxes at the base level before improvements, renovations or additions are made for a period of five years with a renewal opportunity for an additional five years. The RTA can be used in combination with the Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit and the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit. Can be used for both commercial structures and owner-occupied, private homes.
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