Business
What is Economic Development
Our 4 Key Focus Pillars of Economic Development
Community Development
We seek to build community, business, and government partnerships that will further our mission.
Business Retention & Expansion
Our #1 priority is to support our existing businesses.
Workforce Development
We support the training and development of a skilled workforce as a critical component of business success.
New Business Development
Supporting smart growth to create a sustainable economy.
Our Services
How VEDA can help you and your business
Workforce & Education Initiatives
By offering workgroups, training, and recruitment events, the Alliance elevates the voice of the business community to reach job seekers and build the workforce of the future.
Business Visitation Program
Our team is ready to learn more about your business through our visitation program. By understanding the opportunities and challenges our businesses are facing, we can help promote what you do and identify resources to meet your current needs.
New Business Startups
We can leverage resources and partnerships that will help you create a successful business plan, marketing strategy, or market analysis.
Site Selection
We help businesses identify available sites and buildings for location and expansion. We can also assist in making your site development ready.
Business Relocation
We can provide customized market research and assistance for businesses looking to locate in our area.
Resource Matching
We can help you navigate and identify the tools and resources your business needs through our network of partners.
Incentives
State and local resources provide customized incentive packages to companies who invest in our people and our economies.
You can apply and track your incentive status through FastLane – Louisiana’s Online Incentive Management System.
If you are planning to expand or relocate in Vermilion Parish, contact our office to discuss incentives that may apply to your project.
Some standard incentives include:
Quality Jobs Rebate
Cash rebate on payroll for new direct jobs
LED Fast Start
Employee recruitment, screening, and training at no cost to the company
Industrial Tax Exemption Program
Property tax abatement on qualifying capital investment
Enterprise Zone
Jobs incentive program providing Louisiana income and franchise tax credits based on new job creation
Angel Investor Tax Credit
Up to 25% tax credit for investments in early stage, wealth-creating businesses that seek start-up and expansion capital
Federal Opportunity Zone
Designated low-income areas eligible for additional federal tax incentives for long-term growth
Restoration Tax Abatement
Up to 100% property tax abatement for up to five years for the rehabilitation of an existing structure located within economic development districts
Workforce Training
Incumbent Worker Training Program and Small Business Training Program offer training and skill development for existing employees, with both standard and customized options available
Infrastructure Assets
The parish is the largest geography of the growing and prosperous Lafayette Metropolitan Statistical Area with over 1,500 square miles within its borders.
The welcoming people, gorgeous sunsets and variety of home-grown businesses lend to the parish’s tradition and charm while the opportunity to grow exists with acres of developable property in each of Vermilion’s communities.
Port of Vermilion
Managed by the Abbeville Harbor & Terminal, the Port of Vermilion is 8 miles south of Abbeville on the west bank of the Vermilion River, 8 miles north of the US Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) and Freshwater Bayou (FWB). Access is via FWB and GIWW with a controlling depth of 12 feet.
Port of Delcambre
The Twin Parish Port Commission regulates and maintains two public docks for parking of recreational and commercial vessels.
The Port also owns 25 acres south of Delcambre on the Delcambre Canal and is the site of its industrial facilities.
Chris Crusta Memorial Airport
Lease space for aviation-related businesses is managed by the City of Abbeville. The airport serves the Gulf of Mexico and local flights.
Deere Park
Business park with available space and a certified site on Highway 167 north of Abbeville.
Initiatives
- Vermilion Parish Job Fair
- Business Visitation Program
- Acadiana Seafood Hub
- Hometown Revitalization Program
- Workforce Training
- Business Training
- Louisiana Development Ready Communities
- Vermilion Trail Coalition
- Small Business Saturday
- Farmers’ Appreciation Event
Key Industries
Oil & Gas Industry Services
Agriculture & Aquaculture
Hospitality & Tourism
Healthcare Services
Top Employers
Partners
Business Assistance Partners
The partner listing below includes agencies and organizations that provide services to the business community. For connection to any of these agencies, feel free to request a referral by contacting our office.
- Abbeville Harbor & Terminal
- Abbeville Main Street
- City of Abbeville
- City of Kaplan
- Gueydan Chamber of Commerce
- Kaplan Chamber of Commerce
- La Alcohol & Tobacco Control
- La Small Business Development Center
- La Workforce Commission
- LEED Center
- Louisiana Economic Development
- MEPOL
- One Acadiana
- Opportunity Machine
- Port of Delcambre/Twin Parish Port
- South Louisiana Community College Gulf Area Campus
- Town of Delcambre
- Town of Erath
- Town of Gueydan
- Town of Maurice
- University of Louisiana Lafayette
- Vermilion Chamber of Commerce
- Vermilion Parish Police Jury
- Vermilion Parish School System
- Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission