Development

Our mission is to serve the Tribal Government, Administration and Membership in all areas pertaining to Development.  These include infrastructure and facilites planning, design and construction, community planning, design and construction, economic development and community member entrepreneurial efforts.

Thinking of starting a business on the reservation?
Click here for a general explanation of certain typical Federal and Louisiana tax issues relating to tribal members and other members of the community starting businesses that will operate wholly on the tribal reservation.

Economic Development Committee

Tribal Members ONLY

The Chitimacha Tribal Council, along with the Economic Development Committee is pleased to announce that the 2026 Entrepreneurial Grant Program will begin receiving applications for this year’s funding.  This is a great program for both existing Tribal Member owned businesses and new Tribal Member business start-ups.  We have had some great success in funding Tribal Members for the past several years and look forward to the continued success of this program.  Program guidelines, requirements and applications may be picked up at the Tribal Development Office, located at 200 Ralph Darden Memorial PKWY, Baldwin, LA 70514.  This is a competitive grant program so please make sure to submit a complete and thorough application along with any required or supporting documentation. Additionally, you may also contact Tahra Demarco at 337-923-4000 or via email at tahrad@chitimacha.gov.

• Grant Application Deadline is August 10th, 2026 before 5:00 PM.
• Anticipated Award shall be on, or about, TBD.

Note, the DocuSign version will automate the delivery of your completed application directly to the Committee's Receiver. The DocuSign version also has an upload attachment button so you can include any documentation you would like to attach to your application.

• Economic Development Grant Program Grant Application - via DocuSign.
• Economic Development Grant Program Grant Application - for PDF download.
• 2026 Tribal Member Entrepreneurial Grant Guidelines
• Business Plan Template in Microsoft Word format
• Business Plan Template in Rich Text format

Contact Information:
Brian Headley, Business and Development Director
brian@chitimacha.gov
Phone: 337-923-4000

Tahra Demarco, Development Assistant
tahrad@chitimacha.gov
Phone: 337-923-4000

Mailing Address: 

Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana
Development Department
Keta Centre
200 Ralph Darden Memorial PKWY
Baldwin, LA 70514