Today the original industries of farming, forestry and higher education remain, but other businesses, including some of the best retail and food chains and large industrial employers, help create a business atmosphere that offers good-paying jobs and ample opportunity for success.  The Ruston-Lincoln Industrial Development Corporation was established through the state legislation to assist with the economic growth of Lincoln Parish.

The Ruston-Lincoln Industrial Development Corporation can be contacted at:

Post Office Box 1383
2111 North Trenton Street
Ruston, Louisiana 712732-1383
Office: (318) 255-2031
Toll-free: (800) 392-9032
Fax: (318) 255-3481

Louisiana Incentive Programs

Incentives programs in this section are funded by the state of Louisiana for the attraction and cultivation of business. Learn about such programs as the Enterprize Zone, Quality Jobs, Restoration Tax Abatement and Industrial Tax Exemption.

Enterprise Zone
The Enterprise Zone (EZ) Program is a JOBS incentive program that provides Louisiana Income and Franchise tax credits to a business hiring a minimum number of net new employees.

Quality Jobs
The Quality Jobs Program promotes economic development by encouraging businesses to create well-paid jobs.

Restoration Tax Abatement
The Restoration Tax Abatement (RTA) Program encourages the expansion, restoration, improvement and development of existing commercial structures and owner-occupied residences in specified districts.

Industrial Tax Exemption Program
Available exclusively to manufacturers, the Industrial Tax Exemption Program is Louisiana's original incentive program for capital investments.

Federal Incentives

Federal money has been made available to businesses through such programs as the Gulf Opportunity Zone, Renewal Communities and New Markets Tax Credits Incentives and more.

New Markets Tax Credits
Investors in qualified projects can obtain a tax credit of five or six percent of the amount invested for each year the investment is held, for up to seven years of the credit period.

Financial Incentives

Review financial economic development incentive programs available in Louisiana below.

Small Business Loan Program - provides loan guarantees and participations to banks in order to facilitate capital accessibility for businesses. Guarantees may range up to 75% of the loan amount, not to exceed a maximum of $1.5 million. Loan participations of up to 40% are also available. Applicants must have a business plan and a bank that is willing to fund the loan.
Program Rules

Micro Loan Program - provides loan guarantees and participations to banks that fund loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to Louisiana small businesses.
Program Rules

Contract Loan Program - intended to provide a loan participation and guarantee to a bank for government contract loans. These loans are intended to help businesses finance working capital for contracts with local, state, or federal government agencies. Loans may range from $5000 to $1,000,000 and must be for terms of one year or less.
Program Rules


Starting a New Business in Louisiana

Business Registration