Louisiana Innovation Retention Grant Program

The Louisiana Innovation Retention Grant program (IRG) provides supplementary state support for research-focused Louisiana small businesses that have previously received a federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant. The program, which was established by the Louisiana Legislature in 2022, seeks to: -Help Louisiana retain STEM start-up companies and their talented workers; -Demonstrate the state’s support for business innovation by supplementing the federal research dollars received by Louisiana small businesses; -Increase the investment in research conducted during Phase I of the federal SBIR program, making Louisiana small businesses more competitive in the competition for Phase II funds; -Encourage the establishment and growth of high-quality, locally owned and operated technology businesses throughout the state.