Veteran Initiative program debuts in state

The Veteran Initiative, a program designed to help veteran-owned small businesses, is now available through Louisiana Economic Development and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. The program helps designated companies gain access to procurement opportunities as a result of the Veteran Initiative Act of 2009, which encourages state agencies and contractors who receive state contracts to work with certified businesses. In order to qualify for the Veteran Initiative, companies must be certified through LED and meet certain requirements, including having a principal business office in Louisiana, fewer than 50 full-time employees and average annual income not exceeding $5 million per year for non-construction businesses for each of the three previous tax years. To apply for the program, visit smallbiz.louisianaeconomicdevelopment.com.—Emma James