About this programme
The Louisiana Seed Capital Program (LSCP) provides financing to start-up businesses and early-stage small businesses through approved Louisiana-based program participants, including venture capital funds, early-stage investment funds and nonprofit organizations. Louisiana Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) oversees the program, and it is funded through the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
Rather than investing directly, LEDC channels money through eight approved participating funds, each with its own focus and process. The program puts particular emphasis on Very Small Businesses (VSBs) and Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDIs), as those terms are defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The program is authorized to run for seven years under its SSBCI funding period.
How it works
Private capital flows to eligible startups and early-stage companies through the participating equity funds rather than directly from the state. Each fund makes its own investment decisions within the program's eligibility rules.
Money can be used for start-up costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, and the purchase, construction, renovation or tenant improvement of business property.
Who can apply
The business must be authorized to conduct business in Louisiana and maintain a Louisiana office.
The business must have 500 or fewer employees.
Gaming, gambling, pyramid sales, financial services, speculative real estate, owner-to-owner buyouts, refinancing, recreational facilities, and marijuana-related businesses are not eligible.
How to apply
- Identify which of the eight participating funds fits your business and stage.
- Contact that fund directly, since the application process varies by fund.
- For general program questions, contact Louisiana Economic Development's SSBCI team at LEDSSBCI2@la.gov.
Frequently asked
Do I apply to the state or to a fund?
You apply to one of the eight participating funds directly. LEDC does not take applications itself; the application process varies by fund.
Can I apply to become a new participating fund?
No. The program states it is not accepting applications for new funds at this time.
What can the money be used for?
Start-up costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, and purchase, construction, renovation or tenant improvements of business property.
Is my business excluded from this program?
Yes if it is in gaming, gambling, pyramid sales, financial services, speculative real estate, is an owner-to-owner buyout, is seeking refinancing, is a recreational facility, or is marijuana-related.
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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.