Louisiana Economic Development (LED) – Veteran Initiative

Veteran Initiative is designed to help eligible Louisiana Veteran-owned and Service-Connected Disabled-Veteran-owned small businesses gain greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities that are available at the state government level.

About

Louisiana’s Veteran Initiative (LAVETBIZ) is a certification program that is designed to help eligible Louisiana Veteran-owned and Service-Connected Disabled-Veteran-owned small businesses gain greater access to purchasing and contracting opportunities that are available at the state government level.

  • Your business and contact information will be accessible to state purchasing officials and prime contractors who are looking for subcontractors.

  • State agencies are encouraged to get quotes from and use qualified, certified companies whenever possible.

  • For small purchases (less than $15,000), state agencies can waive the required additional quotes if a certified company submits a quote that is reasonable.

  • 12% of the total evaluation points can be added to your bid on a Request for Proposal (RFP).

  • Prime contractors who use your business as a subcontractor on a bid for an RFP are also eligible to receive additional percentage points on their bid.

The program is open to all Louisiana businesses that meet the following eligibility requirements for a Small Entrepreneurship (SE) under the Veteran Initiative. Once certified, business owners are required to submit annual updates through www.ledsmallbiz.com. Failure to submit the required information before your anniversary date each year will result in termination of your certification.

What are the eligibility requirements?

  • Veteran Ownership – At least 51% of the business must be owned by a veteran

  • Principal Place of Business – The company must have its principal place of business in Louisiana

  • Employees – The company must have fewer than 50 full-time employees

  • Average Annual Gross Receipts – Average annual gross receipts must not exceed $6 million for non construction and $10 million for construction companies

  • Independently Owned and Operated – The business must be independently owned and operated

  • Not Dominant – The business must not be dominant in its professional field

  • Louisiana Residency – Must be owned by persons domiciled in Louisiana

  • Citizenship – Must be owned by and have officers who are U.S. citizens or legal residents

Service-Connected Disabled Veteran – This is an additional distinction available within the Veteran Initiative for Service-Connected Disabled-Veteran-owned businesses. To qualify, the business must meet all of the requirements above, as well as the following:

  • Service-Connected Disabled-Veteran-Owned – At least 51% of the business must be owned by a Service-Connected Disabled Veteran

Services Provided

Selling to the Government and Large Corporations

  • Obtaining Certification (Specialty)
  • Obtaining Government Contracts (Specialty)

Technical Assistance

  • LED Programs (Specialty)
Contact Information
Stephanie Hartman
Address
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70809