High-Impact Jobs Program

Eligibility Eligibility is largely defined by wages paid above the parish average, based on the parish where the project is located, except in cases where industries are explicitly ineligible. Grants are awarded as a percentage of wages paid: 18% grant for new jobs paying at least 125% of the parish average wage 22% grant for new jobs paying at least 150% of the parish average wage Prevailing parish average wages: HIP Parish Wages Distressed Areas Companies creating jobs in distressed areas are eligible for the program at a lower wage threshold: 8% grant for new jobs paying at least 110% of the parish average wage or the regional average wage, whichever is lower Distressed areas are defined as: 25% of parishes with the lowest annual average wages, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics OR Areas defined as “deeply distressed” by the Federal New Markets Tax Credit Program Parish and regional average wage figures are reflected in the Louisiana High Impact Jobs Program Map . Search by project location Companies primarily engaged in the following sectors are ineligible: Gaming Retail sales Professional sports teams State and political subdivision enterprises Automotive rental and leasing Local solid waste disposal Local sewage systems Local water systems Professional service organizations primarily engaged in providing legal services Professional service organizations primarily engaged in providing accounting services Telemarketing and other call centers Solar farms Certain industry sectors, such as professional services, may be subject to additional limitations or exclusions. High Impact Jobs Program Professional Services Eligibility Guidance High Impact Jobs Program Professional Services Rules Sole proprietorships are ineligible. Job Requirements for Eligibility Qualifying jobs must not have existed in the state for an employer prior to the effective date of the program contract. Jobs must also meet the following requirements: Full-time, at-will employees (does not include seasonal or temporary positions) Directly employed by the company or a named subsidiary Filled onsite or remotely by Louisiana residents Include a basic health benefits plan Contract Terms If a company is approved, LED may enter into a contract with an initial term of three years, setting forth terms and conditions for program participation, with the option to renew for an additional two years. Program Statutes & Rules Program rules are in the Louisiana Administrative Code, maintained by the Office of State Register. View the High-Impact Jobs Program Statute View the High-Impact Jobs Program Rules Application Process Apply Now 1 Complete the application and email it to [email protected] . Once received, you will be given payment instructions for the application fee and the expenditure verification report (EVR) deposit. 2 Once both payments are received, LED will begin the review process of the application. 3 If approved, LED may issue a contract. 4 LED assigns an independent Louisiana CPA. 5 When prompted by the company, an EVR is performed by the assigned independent Louisiana CPA. 6 LED reviews the completed EVR and will request any additional items needed. 7 If approved, LED issues the grant amount to the company. 1 Complete the application and email it to [email protected] . Once received, you will be given payment instructions for the application fee and the expenditure verification report (EVR) deposit. 2 Once both payments are received, LED will begin the review process of the application. 3 If approved, LED may issue a contract. 4 LED assigns an independent Louisiana CPA. 5 When prompted by the company, an EVR is performed by the assigned independent Louisiana CPA. 6 LED reviews the completed EVR and will request any additional items needed. 7 If approved, LED issues the grant amount to the company. FAQs When can I start my contract?