Frequently Asked Small Business Questions

The Louisiana Small Business Development Centers provide business counseling and planning services, as well as offer entrepreneur workshops and training.

Federal tax identification numbers are issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. State sales tax identification numbers are issued by the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

There are numerous incentives available to Louisiana businesses.

The minority-owned business enterprise certification is available through the Louisiana Minority Supplier Development Council. The woman-owned business enterprise certification is available through the Women Business Enterprise Council of the South. Browse our Grow a Business page for more information on these certifications.

Small business loans can be secured by contacting accredited lending institutions (including banks, credit unions, and micro-lenders) and completing a loan package. Free assistance to develop a loan package can be found at a Louisiana Small Business Development Center.

A business plan evaluates the feasibility of your business idea and outlines every major aspect of your business, including products or services, marketing strategy, financial projections and management principles.

Yes. The Louisiana Small Business Development Centers can help you write a business plan. There are additional resources located throughout the state.

As there are a multitude of choices for your business entity, it is highly recommended that you seek legal counsel and professional accounting advice in choosing a business structure.

The Louisiana Department of Revenue and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service can assist you in determining specific taxes required to operate your business.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance and the Louisiana Workforce Commission can assist you in determining the specific insurance(s) required to operate your business.

Businesses are subject to permitting and licensing requirements at the local, state and federal levels. Information about required licenses and permits can be found through your local parish and city governments, and through the Louisiana Secretary of State.

The Department of Natural Resources Office of Coastal Management can assist in obtaining coastal use permits.

The Department of Children and Family Services can provide information on the necessary requirements when starting a child care business.

Typically there are no grants at the state or federal level to help start a small business. Announcements for counseling and training grants appear on www.grants.gov.

Growth can come from a variety of sources, including expansion into new markets, government contracting, or international trade. The decision on how you should grow your business will depend on the type of business you own and your available resources. Explore the resources and opportunities available to help you grow your business by meeting with a business consultant.

Typically, there are no grants at the state or federal level to operate a small business. Announcements for counseling, training, or research grants will appear on www.grants.gov.

The Hudson and Veteran Initiative certifications are a great way for eligible companies to gain greater access to state contract and purchasing opportunities. You can also register your business as a vendor with the Office of State Purchasing, so they can notify you about contracting and purchasing opportunities that come available. In addition, you should reach out to the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center for assistance with the bidding process. For more information, visit the Doing Business with the Government section of the Grow a Business page.  

The U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Export Assistance Center, and the World Trade Center are great allies for any business owner who is trying to develop an international market for their product or service. You can start by contacting them or just browsing the resources and information available on their websites. In addition, if you qualify for the State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program, you may be eligible to receive up to $9,000 to help you participate in export development activities. Browse our Grow a Business page for more information on these international trade resources.  

A direct loan is an arrangement in which a lender gives money or property directly to a borrower, and the borrower agrees to return the property or repay the money, usually along with interest, at some future point(s) in time. Usually there is a predetermined time for repaying a loan, and generally the lender has to bear the risk that the borrower may not repay a loan (though modern capital markets have developed many ways of managing this risk). A loan guarantee is a loan backed by a government agency which undertakes to repay a loan in case the borrower defaults. Typically, student loans and business startup loans are guaranteed loans.

Typically, there are no grants at the state or federal level to start or operate a small business. Announcements for counseling and training grants appear on www.grants.gov. Additional federal grant information can be found at www.cfda.gov.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages small businesses to engage in Research and Development (R&D) and provides funding for projects that have the potential for commercialization. Technical assistance and additional information can be received by contacting the Louisiana Business & Technology Center.

The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena. The goal of the STTR program is to facilitate the transfer of technology developed by a research institution through the entrepreneurship of a small business concern. Technical assistance and additional information can be received by contacting the Louisiana Business & Technology Center