Louisiana grants for Small businesses

This program provides up to $30,000 in marketing support to small businesses in designated low-income areas of New Orleans to help them grow and increase their visibility.

This funding program provides financial support to individuals and organizations in New Orleans that promote cultural education, events, and capacity-building within the local creative sectors.

This program provides free resources and training to help micro and small business owners in select Louisiana parishes, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, grow and sustain their enterprises.

This initiative provides support and resources to help minority- and woman-owned businesses in Louisiana grow and scale their operations effectively.

Opelousas Downtown Development District (ODDD), with support from the City of Opelousas, and Opelousas Main Street (OMS), is excited to announce the fifth round of funding for the Building Improvement Grant (BIG) program. Donor Name: City of Opelousas State: Louisiana City: Opelousas Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement Deadline: 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant program is designed to assist property and business owners in rehabilitating commercial buildings for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment and preserving the city’s historic identity and cultural assets. Funding Information This year the program will offer a total of $200,000 in grant funds for selected projects. The maximum amount that can be applied for is $10,000. Eligible Uses of Funds Building Improvement Grants are awarded for tangible and permanent building improvements, inclusive of the following: Restoration/Renovation of building Awnings (without signage) Brick cleaning or re-pointing of brick and other masonry Accent Lighting Removal of deteriorating or inappropriate materials visible from the street Window restoration Door replacement Restoration of original exterior/interior architectural features Interior work related to ceiling repair, electrical, plumbing Work on roofs, cornices, gutters and down spouts Cleaning, preparation and painting of walls and trim For more information, visit City of Opelousas.

The City of Shreveport, through its Department of Community Development, is pleased to announce the availability of this Notice of Funding Availability (“NOFA”) for Affordable Rental Housing Proposals. Donor Name: City of Shreveport State: Louisiana City: Shreveport Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This opportunity is made possible through funding consideration under the HOME Investment Partnerships Program American Rescue Plan (HOME ARP). The purpose of this Notice of Funding Availability (“NOFA”) is to solicit proposals from experienced and established agencies. Only responders with demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing affordable housing, operating non-congregate or transitional housing, supportive service programs and having extensive experience with federal policies, procedures, and programs need to apply to this solicitation. The City of Shreveport will not fund more than three qualified entities to provide affordable rental housing development, rehabilitation, to qualified populations based on the eligible uses outlined in The City of Shreveport’s HOME-ARP Allocation Plan approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligible Activities  Based on the information obtained from the community survey, focus groups and community consultations, HOME-ARP has been elected to fund the following activities under this NOFA: Production or Preservation of Affordable Housing New construction or rehabilitation – of property intended to provided HOME-ARP rental housing for a minimum of 15 years. Property acquisition – must be undertaken only with respect to a particular housing project intended to provide HOME-ARP rental housing for a minimum of 15 years. Acquisition of vacant land – must be undertaken only with respect to a particular housing project intended to provide HOME-ARP rental housing for a minimum of 15 years. Qualifying Populations HOME-ARP funds must be used to primarily benefit individuals or families from the following qualifying populations: Homeless, as defined in section 103(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)). At-risk of homelessness, as defined in section 401(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11360(1)). Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, as defined by the Secretary. In other populations where providing supportive services or assistance under section 212(a) of the Act (42 U.S.C. 12742(a)) would prevent the family’s homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability. Eligibility Criteria  The City will accept applications from the following qualified and experienced housing development organizations: Not -For-Profit Organizations For-Profit Organizations Public Agencies Partnerships between the same. In addition to the items listed in the Minimum Eligibility Statement and Requirements, applicant entity must also meet the following criteria: Be organized and existing to do business in the State of Louisiana, or if organized in another state, must be qualified to do business in the State of Louisiana. Demonstrate at least three (3) years of related housing development and management experience in Louisiana. For the purposes of this program, “related housing experience” means the development, ownership, and management of affordable rental housing. Demonstrate the financial capacity necessary to undertake, complete, and manage the proposed project, as demonstrated by its ability to own, construct, or rehabilitate and manage and operate affordable rental housing. The City will evaluate the experience of the entire proposed team with owning, developing, and managing projects of similar size and scope serving the intended population proposed. Applicants and their development team must undergo an evaluation by the City of their capacity before the applicant may qualify as an eligible (“Recipient”). Have demonstrated understanding of the Federal, State and local housing programs used in conjunction with HOME funds to ensure compliance with all applicable program requirements and regulations. Certify that HOME-ARP Units will comply with Program requirements during the entire period that begins upon selection and ending upon the conclusion of all HOME funded compliance or Affordability Periods. Applicant must not debarred or excluded from receiving federal assistance prior to selection or entering into the grant contract with the City. For more information, visit City of Shreveport.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is extending the application deadline for the Commercial and Charter Vessel Access Grant Program, funded through the LDWF 2019 Flood Disaster Grant. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) allocated funds to mitigate the effects of freshwater flooding on Louisiana’s saltwater resources. Grants of up to $500,000 will be awarded to public and private entities for constructing new facilities, acquiring land, or improving access for saltwater commercial and charter fishing vessels. The new application deadline is May 31, 2024, extending from the original date of May 15, 2024. Projects must be in coastal areas impacted by the 2019 flood and accessible to the public. Recipients must maintain facilities for at least 20 years.

This program provides financial assistance to small businesses in Louisiana to help them expand their international sales and export activities through reimbursements for various related expenses.