As Louisiana Grows, So Do Our Businesses

The foundation of Louisiana’s economy was built by small businesses that believed in this state. These companies took risks, created jobs and invested in their communities long before this historic economic momentum.

Now, Louisiana is attracting projects of unprecedented scale, and we are making sure our small and midsize businesses are positioned to grow alongside that success. Keeping those businesses at the center of this expansion strengthens Louisiana’s economic foundation and supports long-term competitiveness.

Connecting Businesses to Opportunity

As investment grows, demand is rising across multiple industries, and connecting Louisiana businesses to those opportunities allows them to grow alongside it.

Through efforts like Source Louisiana, the state is making it easier for local companies to connect directly to major projects, strengthening supply chains and keeping more investment at home. Source Louisiana is a free, statewide online directory that showcases Louisiana businesses of all sizes, giving them a direct line of sight into supplier and contracting opportunities tied to major investments.

The platform allows companies to highlight their services, certifications and capacity, making it easier for prime contractors to identify and hire qualified local partners. It also positions Louisiana businesses earlier in the process, helping them enter the pipeline as projects take shape and compete for work at every stage.

That approach is already delivering results for Louisiana businesses.

Woodside Energy recently awarded a contract valued at more than $300 million to Louisiana-based C&C Marine and Repair for the construction of four tugboats in Plaquemines Parish. With that award, Woodside and its contractors have committed more than $1 billion to Louisiana suppliers in less than a year as part of the Louisiana LNG project.

In Richland Parish, Meta’s $10 billion data center project has generated more than $875 million in contracts for Louisiana businesses within its first year. Thousands of workers are onsite, supporting contractors, suppliers and service providers across the region.

Across industries, these investments are generating real work for Louisiana companies and expanding the state’s network of suppliers and contractors.

All Louisiana businesses are encouraged to register and verify their company information at SourceLouisiana.com to ensure they are in the pipeline for opportunity. 

Building Capacity to Grow

Access to opportunity must be matched with the ability to deliver.

Louisiana Growth Network programs provide the tools, strategy and support businesses need to build capacity and compete for new work. Through one-on-one counseling, cohort-based training and initiatives like CEO Roundtables, business leaders are strengthening operations, refining strategy and preparing for growth.

Business leaders point to that experience as a driver of internal improvement.

“Working with the LED CEO Roundtables program is a mark of prestige for our business,” President of Equitas Capital Advisors LLC Derek Fossier said. “Learning from subject matter experts and peer CEOs has upgraded our marketing, improved our organization and fostered personal development.”

For many companies, that preparation is leading to expansion, new capabilities and access to larger opportunities.

Grand Coteau-based Noble Plastics has participated in several Louisiana Growth Network programs, including CEO Roundtables, the System for Integrated Growth strategic research program and the American Academy of Entrepreneurs mentorship program. The company is now expanding its St. Landry Parish headquarters to support First Solar’s new manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish, positioning a homegrown manufacturer to grow alongside one of the state’s major new investments.

Across the state, that focus on capacity is helping companies expand production, sharpen strategy and pursue new markets.

In St. Tammany Parish, Boudreaux’s Jewelers, a fourth-generation Louisiana company whose leadership graduated from CEO Roundtables, is investing $4 million to increase its in-house manufacturing capabilities as it expands operations.

For early-stage companies with high-growth potential, access to capital is another important part of the equation. Through the Louisiana Growth Fund, the state is investing a combined $3.3 million in 28bio, CodeGig, Hampr and Pet Krewe, the first four companies selected through the program. That investment is helping these startups access the capital they need to scale in Louisiana and bring new ideas, jobs and investment to communities across the state.

This momentum is taking shape across Louisiana.

In 2025 alone, more than 26,000 Louisiana small businesses were served through Louisiana Growth Network programs, with participating companies securing $1.45 billion in contract value.

The Louisiana Growth Network offers programs to help companies of all sizes and industries take the next step. Find the one that’s right for your business at OpportunityLouisiana.com

Growth That Starts From Within

In a competitive economy, growth is strongest when it starts from within.

Small businesses employ 54% of Louisiana’s workforce and are embedded across every region and industry. Their success strengthens local economies, supports communities and drives growth statewide.

Louisiana’s approach is grounded in that reality. Success is not only measured by the projects the state attracts, but by the businesses that grow alongside them.

Across Louisiana, companies are building, supplying and delivering on projects that are shaping the state’s future.

Opportunity is not just coming to Louisiana. It is being built here by our own businesses.