About this programme
The Louisiana Innovation Retention Grant (IRG) Program, run by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) and established by the Louisiana Legislature, supplements federal SBIR/STTR research funding for Louisiana small businesses. It aims to support and retain STEM start-up companies and their workers in the state, strengthen Phase I SBIR investment to boost Phase II competitiveness, and support the growth of locally owned technology businesses statewide.
The grant matches part of a company's federal SBIR/STTR award so the business has an incentive to stay and grow in Louisiana rather than relocate.
How it works
Grants are worth up to $100,000 per eligible business and are paid in two equal installments spread over a two-year period.
Who can apply
The business must be a for-profit, privately owned company based in Louisiana.
It must have received federal notice of a Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR award after June 15, 2022.
How to apply
- Review the program details and access the application at OpportunityLouisiana.gov/incentive/louisiana-innovation-retention-program.
Frequently asked
How much can my business receive?
Up to $100,000, paid in two equal installments over a two-year period.
What federal award do I need first?
You need federal notice of a Phase I or Phase II SBIR/STTR award received after June 15, 2022.
Who administers the program?
Louisiana Economic Development (LED), under a program established by the Louisiana Legislature.
When can I apply?
One past application window ran June 1 through June 30; check OpportunityLouisiana.gov for the current window before applying.
More funding in Louisiana
Collateral Support Program (CSP)
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) / LEDC · Louisiana
LED posts up to $250,000 in cash collateral to help Louisiana small businesses with 100 or fewer employees qualify for a bank loan.
FUEL Proof-of-Concept Fund
Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), an NSF Regional Innovation Engine led by LSU · Louisiana
FUEL grants Louisiana clean-energy startups and researchers $100,000 to $125,000 to move a proof of concept toward market.
Louisiana Growth Fund (Venture Capital Program)
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) / LEDC · Louisiana
State direct-capital investment program for high-growth, scalable Louisiana startups ready for venture-style funding.
Louisiana Seed Capital Program
Louisiana Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) via Louisiana Economic Development (LED) · Louisiana
State-backed co-investment capital for Louisiana early-stage startups, delivered through eight approved seed and venture funds.
Micro Lending Program
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) / LEDC · Louisiana
A state revolving loan fund offers Louisiana's very small businesses loans between $1,000 and $100,000 through partner lenders.
Research and Development Tax Credit
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) · Louisiana
Louisiana businesses can get a tax credit of up to 30 percent on qualified research spending in the state.
All 10 programmes in Louisiana →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.