BATON ROUGE, La. (Mar. 10, 2026) — Louisiana Economic Development (LED) has launched the Source Louisiana Accelerator Program, a new initiative designed to help in-state businesses strengthen operations, meet procurement standards and position themselves to compete for supplier opportunities tied to major projects across Louisiana.
The six-month accelerator program builds on the momentum of Source Louisiana, the state’s supplier connection platform, by preparing companies to meet nationally and globally recognized buyer requirements. The initiative is intended to strengthen Louisiana’s supplier ecosystem while creating a pipeline of competitive local vendors capable of supporting large-scale industrial and infrastructure investments.
“Louisiana is advancing major projects across key industries statewide, and that momentum creates real opportunity for our businesses,” said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “The Source Louisiana Accelerator Program helps companies strengthen their operations, meet buyer expectations and position themselves to compete at the next level. This is about building long-term competitiveness for Louisiana businesses.”
The program is delivered in partnership with Blue Wave, an organization specializing in supplier development programs that help businesses improve operational readiness for large procurement contracts. Through a combination of in-person and virtual training sessions, participating companies will develop the systems, policies and operational capabilities that major buyers prioritize when selecting suppliers.
“We are proud for Blue Wave to be partnering with LED in the delivery of this program across Louisiana,” said Blue Wave Co-Founder Eduardo Nunez. “Seventy percent of our more than 1,200 graduates report revenue growth within a year of completing the program, and we’re excited to support Louisiana companies as they compete for high-value opportunities.”
Through the Source Louisiana Accelerator Program, participating businesses will:
- Learn what major buyers expect from qualified suppliers
- Strengthen internal systems and operational competitiveness
- Connect directly with major buyers and industry partners
- Earn a Blue Wave supplier readiness badge recognizing program completion
- The program will host two cohorts annually, with approximately 50 companies participating in each cohort. Applications for the first 2026 cohort are open through March 31.
In addition to the accelerator, Louisiana companies can increase their visibility through the Source Louisiana online business directory, which connects suppliers with prime contractors and major investment projects statewide. The platform is currently used by large companies and developers — including Entergy, Hyundai, Woodside and Meta — to identify qualified Louisiana suppliers.
Businesses interested in showcasing their capabilities and pursuing upcoming contracting opportunities can register through the platform.
Additional information about the Source Louisiana Accelerator Program, including application details, is available at OpportunityLouisiana.com/slap.
About Louisiana Economic Development
Louisiana Economic Development (LED) leads statewide efforts to drive capital investment, create jobs and expand economic opportunity for businesses and residents across Louisiana. Learn more about the state’s economic development initiatives at OpportunityLouisiana.com.
