Technology
New Orleans: A Growing Tech Hub
For centuries, artists of every discipline have identified the Greater New Orleans region as a source of unmatched inspiration. From its rich and diverse culture to its world-renowned food, music, and architecture, the region provides endless opportunities for creative talent and businesses to prosper.
With these abundant cultural assets and some of the richest industry incentives in the country, it’s no wonder the region is a burgeoning center for innovation and excellence in technology and digital media, from advertising and graphic design to sound recording and software development. Louisiana also currently ranks as the top television and film production location in the United States outside of Los Angeles and New York.
The Case for Doing Business
Regional Assets for the Technology industry
Lower Cost of Doing Business: Lower wages, lower utility costs, and less expensive real estate make the Greater New Orleans region one of the most affordable major market options for businesses today.
Creative Culture: From our world-famous music, food, and art to Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, the Greater New Orleans region shines as a beacon of creativity and culture across the world. Its dynamic entrepreneurial community and flourishing digital media presence make Greater New Orleans a rich and rewarding place to build a creative business.
Critical Mass: New Orleans has seen rapid growth as a hub for technology firms, from global corporations like Microsoft and DXC Technology, to locally grown companies like TurboSquid. Together, these companies form a robust and established ecosystem for technology companies of all sizes.
Customized Incentives
The Richest Incentives for Technology in the Country
DIGITAL INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND SOFTWARE PROGRAM Provides a 25% tax credit for Louisiana resident W2 labor expenditures and an 18% tax credit on qualified production expenditures for companies producing digital interactive media products or platforms in Louisiana.
HIGH IMPACT JOBS PROGRAM Provides reimbursable grants of up to 22% on wages for newly-created jobs that pay a certain percentage above the parish (county) average wage, for up to five years. INDUSTRIAL TAX
LED FASTSTART Award-winning state workforce development program, LED FastStart creates customized employee recruiting, screening, and training solutions at no cost to eligible companies.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT Provides an up to 30% tax credit on qualified research expenditures incurred in Louisiana with no minimum spending requirement.
TAX COMPETITIVENESS Complementing a powerhouse suite of incentives, Louisiana recently transformed its tax code into the most competitive tax environment for business in the state’s history.
Notable Employers
Louisiana's Interactive Development Incentive
rebate on payroll
administered through cash rebate to developers, engineers, programmers, QA/QC, analysts, and project managers (additional staff may also qualify)
rebate on development related expenditures
may apply to hardware, software, supplies, licenses, permits and rent through cash rebate
no limits, sunsets, minimums, or expirations
completely scalable. Permanent cost savings
Facts & Figures
#3 for African Americans, #7 for Women
New Orleans is developing an inclusive tech community and education and training programs are generating local talent.
EMSI Data
Mailing List
Receive news and updates on new companies moving into Greater New Orleans, regional awards, and other information about how the local economy is growing.