Resources
Starting a Business
SUCCESS STORIES START HERE
Jefferson Parish isn’t just a place to open doors. It’s a place where doors open for you. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, making up over 77% of our business portfolio.
Start Here! Your Roadmap to Opening a Business in Jefferson Parish
GeauxBIZ was designed to be the starting point for all new Louisiana businesses. You’ll be able to reserve a name for your new business, register your business with other required state agencies, and follow a checklist for next steps.
Contact:
Louisiana Secretary of State
8585 Archies Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 925 – 4704
GeauxBiz.com
All new business owners in Jefferson Parish need to make sure that the brick and mortar location is properly zoned for their business activity and type. The Planning Department processes Zoning Clearance and Zoning Determination applications using the MGOConnect online portal. Zoning Clearances and Zoning Determinations can only be applied online at MGO Connect. Visit the Planning Department page for instruction on how to apply for Zoning Clearance or Zoning Determination and access zoning maps.
Contact:
Bess Martin, Planning Director
JPPlanning@jeffparish.gov
504-736-6320
https://www.jeffparish.gov/435/Planning
Next, you will need to make sure you have all of the necessary permits and licenses for your business. The Jefferson Parish Permitting Department can provide you with building permits. The permitting process happens entirely online. The Sheriff’s Office can provide support with Alcoholic Beverage Permits.
Contact:
East Bank Office
Physical Address
1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard
Suite 101
Jefferson, LA 70123
Phone: 504-736-6957
West Bank Office
Physical Address
1855 Ames Boulevard
Suite A
Marrero, LA 70072
Phone: 504-364-3512
Each person pursuing any trade, profession, vocation, calling, or business within Jefferson Parish is required to file and pay the occupational license tax. The tax, based upon your business classification and gross receipts or commissions, has a minimum of $50 per business location.
Before you open your doors, you have to schedule an inspection with the Louisiana Fire Marshal.
Find your place
Coworking Spaces
Jefferson Parish is built for entrepreneurs. There are a number of high-energy coworking spaces designed for entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
Regus (locations on both the East and West Bank)
A global flexible‑workspace provider offering private offices, coworking desks, meeting rooms and virtual office services.
Primary Workspace
A re‑imagined historic school turned co‑working space and event venue, combining modern workspace amenities with character and flexibility.
DBA Business Center
A local business support center offering document services, shipping, and general business‑operation help for companies.
AgriAquaculture (AACE)
The largest closed‑loop hydroponic aquaculture and greenhouse facility in Louisiana, designed to support small‑business agriculture and workforce training.
Thrive more here
Partner Organizations
Idea Village
Propeller
Louisiana Small Business Development Center
Go Be
El Centro
SBA
Urban South
Additional Resources & Opportunities
- Download the Starting a Business Checklist
- Download the Jefferson Parish Business Startup Kit
- Download the Incorporated Jefferson Parish Zoning & Permitting Contacts
- Visit the Source Louisiana Website
- View the SmallBiz NOLA Website
- View the Louisiana Veteran Initiative
- Visit the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute
- View the Small and Emerging Business Development Program
Watch the Start Here! Series
