The Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation, an economic development organization comprised of the Texas counties of Hardin, Jefferson and Orange, recognized the need to showcase the attributes of this region in a comprehensive, unified fashion. Economic development professionals and stakeholders have joined forces to identify this region as a significant contributor to the economy of not only the State of Texas, but to the United States and the world. Southeast Texas has a long history of stimulating growth with regional economic development efforts. Realizing the need to refocus regional economic development efforts, the SETEDF Board of Director's approved the concept of providing regional economic development services under the umbrella of SETEDF. A steering committee was formed to include economic developers in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange Counties. SETEDF is a non-profit development company that was formed in 1984 to assist small businesses in the region with long term fixed rate financing for real estate acquisitions, construction and equipment purchases. The Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation is a Certified Development Company and acts as the servicing agent for the U.S. Small Business Administration's 504 Loan Program. SETEDF processes, closes and services a loan portfolio of projects located throughout the State of Texas. It is the goal of the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation to: "Provide regional economic development services to ensure long term growth and development for the region of Southeast Texas, and the State of Texas, by retaining and maximizing employment while increasing community income."