Forward Jefferson: Nonprofit Arm of JEDCO

The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) has a mission to build a resilient, equitable, diverse and competitive economy by driving the retention and creation of quality jobs, entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in Jefferson Parish.

As an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO), JEDCO is committed to helping businesses thrive in Jefferson Parish. JEDCO has aided thousands of businesses of all sizes through small business financing programs, tax incentives, workforce development, and other economic development services. Its nonprofit arm, Forward Jefferson, funds and supports a number of quality of life initiatives across Jefferson Parish, ranging from housing to transit to insurance policy to beautification efforts.



Some of the programs that JEDCO and FORJ have undertaken in recent years include:

The Greater New Orleans Food & Beverage Incubator at Churchill Park, which will serve the GNO region's food and beverage entrepreneurs;

EPA Brownfield Assessment Grants to help bring vacant and underutilized properties in disadvantaged areas back into commerce or community use;

Technical assistance and loan programs for the seafood industry;

Facade improvement grants and other housing assistance;

Workforce development tours for high schoolers and employers during Manufacturing Week.