THE LOUISIANA BUS.

Thanks for all the shout outs on the "I wanna be on the StartupBus" video. The team that made it had a blast and the entrepreneurial communities across our state obviously love StartupBus.

The Silicon Bayou, also known as Louisiana, is a state as rich in entrepreneurs as we are in culture. From Mardi Gras and second lines, to mud bugs (that’s crawfish or crayfish for the outsiders) and beignets, Louisiana is unique and a breeding ground for all kinds of crazy ideas. Proof of the encouragement residents give to each other in their diverse endeavors can be found among the Who Dat Nation as they cheer on the Saints or in Death Valley at LSU as fans cheer on the tigers.

Laissez les bons temps rouler. Let the good times roll. While innovation stems from hard work, in Louisiana we embrace the attitude of work hard, play hard. Entrepreneurs and innovators take advantage of the culture of our great state and also the many business resources the state has been recognized for. From top to bottom the state is filled with nationally and internationally recognized research centers, universities, and outstanding individuals and businesses who are creating innovative solutions to real world problems. Bet you didn’t know we’re ranked #3 in the country in film production. Entertainment is BIG business here.

We’re also home to the best business incentives in the country including a digital media tax credit that gives companies back up to 35% of what they spend on development in Louisiana, that’s right—35%. Building a software product or video game? We want to talk to you real soon.

Oh yeah. Last year, Baton Rouge flew 5 entrepreneurs down to join the Miami StartupBus and Shreveport had two entrepreneurs on the Silicon Valley bus (their team won the pitch competition).

Your conductor for the trip will be Terry Jones, a Startup Bus veteran from the 2011 Miami StartupBus. Terry is a Baton Rouge resident who is all about startups. He’s Managing Director of RIO – Regional Innovation Organization. He’s sat on both sides of the fence, having been both an entrepreneur and VC. He’s funded technologies that are powering Formula 1 race cars, advancing health care, and was the first money in on a startup now approaching $150 million in revenue.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY.