About Us
Formerly the Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana, BRF was formed in 1986 as the result of an economic development study commissioned by the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce following Shreveport’s economic downturn in the 1980s. BRF was created as an economic development organization with the mission to diversify and grow the region’s economy.
BRF’s initial efforts focused on developing the biomedical and life sciences industries, including support of LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport.
Beginning in 2013, BRF’s economic development activities began to expand into initiatives focusing on entrepreneurship, angel investing, digital media, business recruitment and more. Across its various initiatives, BRF’s economic development focus is on retaining current businesses, starting new businesses and recruiting new businesses.
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Our Start
Our StartWhen the price of oil dropped to $14 per barrel, many companies that were the anchors for Shreveport’s economy either left town or shut down. In response, The Shreveport Chamber of Commerce commissioned an economic development study which resulted in the formation of the Biomedical Research Foundation to help diversify our economy into other industry sectors. -
Setting Goals
Setting GoalsThe LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport adopted a goal to expand its medical research capacity to recruit more faculty, conduct more research and develop innovative products. BRF constructed a plan and began the fundraising effort to transform this plan into a reality. -
Biomed Facility Opens
Biomed Facility OpensBRF’s Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute opened with 56 state-of-the-art research laboratories connected to the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport. This is the first facility in the soon-to-be developed InterTech Science Park. -
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center Opens
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center OpensThe state and region’s first Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Center opened in the Virginia K. Shehee Biomedical Research Institute. PET expedited the diagnosis and treatment process for cancer patients as well as advanced research on many other diseases. BRF also launched STEM education programs for local high school students to assist in educating future innovators and workers for the region. -
InterTech is Established
InterTech is EstablishedBRF and teams of local civic leaders announced plans to create the InterTech Science Park, an 800-acre science and technology park in central Shreveport. -
InterTech Building Completed
InterTech Building CompletedBRF constructed its second InterTech Science Park facility, a 33,000 sq. ft. cleanroom manufacturing facility on Kings Highway.
Latest Videos
Expert economic forecaster Dr. Marci Rossell provided a global economic forecast at BRF's Annual Event in Northwest Louisiana. Topics covered: global economic outlook, federal reserve, federal interest rates, housing costs, remote work, Artificial Intelligence, unemployment rates, labor force trends, oil prices and inflation.
Learn more about BRF and its initiatives at our YouTube channel.
News
EDA Build to Scale grants to expand access to small business and entrepreneurship assistance in North Louisiana via BRF’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program
Organizations and local businesses issue letter of support for Shreveport’s 2024 bond issue
Nearly $100M in federal funding directed to Air Force Global Strike Command since 2020
MISSION
Diversify and grow our region’s economy.
VISION
Operate as a catalyst to expand and develop research, entrepreneurship and high-growth businesses in our region.
VALUES
Innovation. Collaboration. Problem Solving. Bold Action.
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