Mentor Protégé Tax Credit Program

Louisiana Economic Development supports established construction companies that choose to mentor the development of protege firms as competitive contractors, subcontractors and joint venture partners.

Through the Mentor-Protégé Tax Credit Program, LED enhances Louisiana's business environment for new construction companies. This program provides technical and economic benefits to Louisiana-based contractors who will create and/or retain jobs for Louisiana citizens, expanding the state's economy and increasing available quality jobs.

With the Mentor-Protégé Tax Credit Program Act of 2007, mentor firms can receive Louisiana income or franchise tax credits of up to $50,000 per year by making technical assistance available to a protégé firm.

Mentor Firm Requirements

• Committed and able to provide professional guidance and support to its protégés to facilitate their development and growth, particularly in the critical areas of private and public procurements in construction
• Demonstrate favorable financial health, including profitability for at least the last two years
• Demonstrate the capability to provide managerial or technical skills transfer or capacity building
• Capable of contracting with private and public entities
• In "good standing" with the Secretary of State and not in violation of any state statutes, rules or governing policies

Protégé Firm Requirements

• May not be an affiliate or related party of the mentor
• Certified active in Louisiana Economic Development's Small and Emerging Business Development Program or is registered in the state's Small Entrepreneurship/Hudson Initiative Program
• In "good standing" with the Secretary of State and not in violation of any state statutes, rules or governing policies

Additional Program Information

• Mentor-Protégé Program Rules
• Mentor application
• Protégé application
• Protégé Directory

For more details on how the program works, please click here and download the Mentor-Protégé Tax Credit Program (PDF)