BRF, headquartered in Shreveport, is an economic development organization establishing North Louisiana as a preferred destination for high-growth businesses. Diversifying the region’s economy is its mission. It fulfills this mission through initiatives that start new businesses, recruit new businesses and retain current businesses in the region, and through supporting the development of a science and technology-based workforce. BRF leads several initiatives in economic development that span business recruitment, the development of a regional defense industry, workforce development and digital media, STEM education, biomedical research and healthcare, entrepreneurial development and startup support, and brownfields development.