Louisiana Economic Development counts more than 300 process manufacturing facilities and over 150 petrochemical plants. Around facilities like these there is usually a network of contractors, fabricators, inspection and maintenance firms. Such companies are often prequalified by plant owners and general contractors, who expect a website to show safety programs, capabilities, equipment and project history.
In 2023 the state had 108,561 employer establishments. Most were small: 84.7% of Louisiana's employer establishments had fewer than 20 employees. There were 15,868 retail trade establishments and 12,493 professional, scientific and technical services establishments, so local retail and service businesses make up a large part of the market and rely heavily on maps, reviews and social media.
The estimated population was 4,618,189 residents in July 2025, down 0.9% from the 2020 base. With the resident market shrinking slightly, businesses grow by taking share and by reaching visitors and buyers outside the state, rather than counting on more local customers.