2023 GNO Jobs Report: Explore the top occupations in the region

Business Retention & Expansion

The Mercedes Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and downtown skyline

Retaining and Growing Our Local Firms

Greater New Orleans, Inc. supports current businesses in the region through our Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program. Working closely with our parish and state partners, the BRE program is designed to keep your company growing and competitive by connecting you to the plethora of resources available in our region.

Through confidential meetings, GNO, Inc. listens to you: your wins, challenges, and plans for the future, to determine the resources are available at the local, regional, and state level to help your business grow.

For qualifying companies, our business retention team can help with:

  • Accessing incentive programs
  • Workforce training and recruitment resources
  • Introductions to public sector and economic development officials
  • Demographic data and select market research
  • Information about available land and real estate
  • Communications strategy support

Rankings & Facts/Figures

Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) survey

Are you a business that is need of additional support?

We would love to learn more about your business and your growth plans. Please feel free to complete the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Survey. Once completed, GNO, Inc. will review and can provide information on resources that can provide assistance.

At-a-Glance Resources & One -pagers

Quick Reference Guides for you to review and/or download

Incentives and Programs to Help your Business Grow

The State of Louisiana offers numerous incentive programs to help companies grow and prosper in Louisiana.

For companies that are expanding throughout the region or deciding on relocating to the region, there are numerous incentive programs that can help ease costs and reduce the financial implications of your growth.  Highlights include the Quality Jobs program offering a 10 year rebate on payroll and the Digital Media Incentive which is an ongoing program which reduces payroll by 25%.

  • Louisiana State Incentives – Download this one pager for a quick and easy reference guide of current incentives available at the state level

There are also numerous business and technical assistance programs and resources to help existing Louisiana businesses access expertise and guidance in growing their companies.  CEO Roundtables, Economic Gardening and Veteran Assistance programs are a few examples of some of the opportunities that exist for companies in Greater New Orleans.

Louisiana Economic Development programs can be found here

Centers of Excellence Helping Businesses

Other resources can provide entrepreneurs and business owners with the building blocks and guidance to grow their ideas into thriving businesses

LA Procurement Technical Assistance Center
The Center assists Louisiana business firms in obtaining contracts with federal, state, and local government agencies. They provide professional assistance to those who want to learn more about governmental contracting and those that are currently performing under government contracts.

LA Small Business Development Center
The Louisiana SBDC is the state’s largest and most accessible source of assistance for entrepreneurs and the only statewide nationally accredited program that provides business consulting to entrepreneurs at no cost. Through a network of 10 centers, the LSBDC provides high quality one-on-one consulting, training and information resources to help your business start, grow and succeed.

Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana
MEPOL provides Louisiana’s manufacturing companies with a wide array of fundamental services, helping them to become more efficient, resilient, and strong in an increasingly competitive global market.

Regional Economic Development Partners