Home - Grow NELA | Northeast Louisiana’s Regional Economic Development Authority

Discover Northeast Louisiana

Why NELA?

Northeast Louisiana (NELA) combines accessible development sites, affordable utilities, and skilled labor to foster business growth along the I-20 corridor. Institutions like the University of Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Delta Community College further enhance its business appeal.

Sites & Buildings

Entergy partners with state agencies, local communities and global businesses to attract new industry – which has led to thousands of new jobs throughout Louisiana. Click here to view certified sites.

Our Economy

Grow NELA is the driving force behind economic growth in Northeast Louisiana, representing 10 parishes and over 300,000 residents. As the Regional Economic Development Authority, Grow NELA delivers impactful results that attract new jobs, expand the tax base, grow the population, and create long-term prosperity in the region.

NELA News

Meta Data Center Will Drive New Housing Demand Across Northeast Louisiana

06/25/2025

A new Housing Needs Assessment commissioned by Grow NELA underscores the transformational economic and population growth expected across Northeast Louisiana as Meta begins construction of its AI Data Center in Richland Parish.

Meta AI Data Center Will Generate Billions in Local and Regional Benefit for Generations of Northeast Louisiana Residents

06/17/2025

A newly released economic impact study commissioned by Grow NELA shows just how transformative Meta’s $10 billion artificial intelligence data center project in Richland Parish will be for Northeast Louisiana.

Mid South Extrusion Announces Second Expansion in Seven Months With $12.5 Million Investment in Monroe Manufacturing Facility

04/09/2025

Mid South Extrusion (MSE), a family-owned flexible film and bag manufacturing company, is investing $12.5 million to expand production capacity with the addition of two new, state-of-the-art polyethylene extrusion lines at its facility in northeast Louisiana.

Louisiana Economic Development strengthens the state’s business environment and drives economic growth through a team of dedicated professionals. Their mission is to cultivate jobs and economic opportunities by supporting business relocation and expansion with valuable resources and strategic strategies.