High Impact Jobs Program (HIP)

Louisiana’s High Impact Jobs Program (HIP) offers qualifying companies grants for the creation of new jobs that pay above the parish (county) average wage. Companies of all sizes can benefit from grants administered directly from Louisiana Economic Development, with higher
wages yielding higher grants.

BENEFIT TIERS
Grants are awarded as a percentage of wages paid, with an initial contract term of three years and the option to renew for an additional two years:
● 18 percent grant for new jobs paying at least 125 percent of the parish average wage
● 22 percent grant for new jobs paying at least 150 percent of the parish average wage

Jobs created in Distressed Areas are eligible at a lower wage threshold:
● 8 percent grant for new jobs paying at least 110 percent of the parish average wage or the regional average wage, whichever is lower

Distressed Areas are defined as:
● 25 percent of parishes with lowest average annual wages (per Bureau of Labor Statistics)
OR
● Areas identified as Deeply Distressed by the federal New Markets Tax Credit Program
OR
● As approved by the Secretary

ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility is largely defined by wages paid above the parish average, except in industries that are ineligible. Further eligibility is outlined in Emergency Rule.

INELIGIBILITY
Companies primarily engaged in the following sectors are statutorily ineligible:
● Gaming
● Retail sales
● Professional sports teams
● State/political subdivision enterprises
● Automotive rental and leasing
● Local solid waste disposal
● Local sewage systems
● Local water systems

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Qualifying jobs must not have existed in the state prior to the effective date of the program contract and meet all of the following requirements:
● Full-time, at-will employees (does not include seasonal or temporary positions)
● Directly employed by the company or a named subsidiary
● Filled on-site or remotely by Louisiana resident
● Include a basic health benefits plan

For More Information:

LOUISIANA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Michaela Adegbe
Program Administrator, Business Incentive
Services
Email: michaela.adegbe@la.gov
T 225.342.3571
 
Joleasia Campbell
Program Administrator, Business Incentive
Services
Email: joleasia.campbell2@la.gov
T 225.342.6070