Doing Business In ... Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Quick Stats

City Population: 241,000 Job Growth: 7.6%
Median Home Price: $170,535
Website: http://brgov.com/

Situated on the Mississippi River lies Baton Rouge, renown for its diverse population, exciting culture, and lively music. As Louisiana's state capital and second largest city, Baton Rouge is a great place to start and develop a business. Louisiana State and Southern Universities provide a skilled and educated group of people that often feeds right into Baton Rouge's workforce. With rail, highway, pipeline, and deep water access, the port of Baton Rouge has established itself as a leader in the petrochemical industry and a vital component of America's stability. While the government remains Baton Rouge's largest employer, the city's film industry continues to grow due to many state and local tax credits dedicated to its development. Baton Rouge's location on Istrouma Bluff and its extensive levee system provides residents and businesses with protection for a region that has been plagued with destructive hurricanes for decades.

Business Start-Up Assistance

Spending some time researching your idea, writing a business plan, and scouting a location will significantly increase your chances for success. There are a number of free and low-cost services that can help you get your business off the ground:

• Baton Rouge's Business Portal
  Provides in depth information for business owners in Baton Rouge to assist them in developing and running successful businesses.
• Louisiana Small Business Development Center
  Provides free start-up advice, training and counseling services to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state. Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Several office locations can be found in the Baton Rouge area.
• SCORE Baton Rouge
  Provides free and confidential business advice and counseling tailored to meet the needs of your small business and your personal objectives.
• Louisiana Minority Business Council
  Provides links to resources that assist entrepreneurs in all aspects of business including, but not limited to start-up help, management, financing and incentives, permits/zoning, and taxes.
• Port of Greater Baton Rouge
  The Port of Greater Baton Rouge handles a diverse range of cargo and accommodates special requests making it an integral part of the Louisiana maritime industry and overall economy.

The Louisiana Economic Development agency provides business owners located in the state of Louisiana with information on incentive programs and other resources available to help businesses succeed.

Financing Your Business

The following organizations provide help getting loans and other types of financial assistance for businesses in Baton Rouge.

• Baton Rouge Business Financing Opportunities
  Provides business owners with financial resources available to help establish and maintain their businesses in Baton Rouge.
• Louisiana Financing Incentives and Programs
  Provides information on financing programs available to assist business owners in the State of Louisiana.
  

For general information on small business loans and financial assistance visit the Financing Your Business page.

Obtaining Licenses and Permits

To legally operate a business in the city of Baton Rouge, you'll need to obtain all necessary business licenses, operating permits and registrations.

• Baton Rouge Occupational Licenses
  Contains information regarding the proper contacts and requirements for obtaining an occupational license in the city of Baton Rouge.
  
• Louisiana Licensing Information
  Details information regarding specific business licenses requirements in Louisiana. Requirements and regulations vary according to the nature of business conducted.

In addition to city permits, you will also need to register your business with the federal government and State of Louisiana. Visit the Louisiana General Licensing page to learn about obtaining necessary federal and state licenses, permits and registrations.

Tax Credits for Small Businesses

Small business owners in Baton Rouge can take advantage of several different tax credits available in the state of Louisiana.

• Downtown Baton Rouge Economic Incentives
  Provide information on tax credits that is available to business owners in downtown Baton Rouge.
• Gulf Opportunity Zone
  Establishes tax incentives for the redevelopment of specific areas that were devastated by the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
• Louisiana State Business Incentives
  Lists tax incentive programs provided for eligible business owners in the state of Louisiana.

Additional Resources

• Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce
  Provides services that help businesses, employers, and job seekers prosper in Baton Rouge's economic environment.