Meta’s $10 B AI Data Center in Northeast Louisiana — What Solopreneurs Should Know
The announcement of Meta’s $10 billion investment in a 4 million-square-foot AI-optimized data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana marks more than just a big tech story.
For local solopreneurs and small-business owners, it signals a wave of opportunities. Even though large data centers don’t always require huge permanent staffing, the build-out phase, infrastructure upgrades, supply-chain activity and local services demand can create meaningful business openings.
Here’s how you can position yourself to benefit.
Coming Up:
- How to Prepare Now for Your Solo or Small Business Opportunity
What is Meta’s AI Data Center?
Meta is building its largest data center yet — in northeast Louisiana.
The site covers about 2,250 acres in Richland Parish and will include nearly 4 million square feet of AI-powered infrastructure.
As of late 2025, construction is already underway and will continue through (roughly) 2030.
During that time, the project is expected to generate:
5,000+ on-site construction jobs at its peak,
500+ full-time positions, and
roughly 1,000+ indirect support jobs.
That’s a lot of activity flowing through a relatively small community.
While the number of permanent jobs inside the data center will stay modest, the scale of the build and the local services needed to support it will create ripple-effect opportunities for solopreneurs — especially in housing, trades, and food services.
Economic Impact in Richland Parish
During construction, thousands of workers will need places to live, eat, and relax — and dozens of vendors will need local partners for everything from cleaning to catering.
Local businesses that act quickly can capture new customers and build relationships that last long after the ribbon-cutting.
Even though the permanent staff will be relatively small once operations begin, data-center projects like this often spark follow-on growth: new suppliers, housing development, and service businesses expanding nearby.
Solopreneur Business Ideas to Explore
If you live anywhere near Richland Parish or Monroe, here are some business ideas that could align with this wave of development:
Construction Support Services — Electricians, HVAC techs, painters, cleaning crews, and site security will all be in demand during the multi-year build.
→ Get licensed locally and connect with the general contractors managing the project.Food Trucks or Mobile Catering — Thousands of construction workers will need quick, hot meals every day.
→ Offer affordable breakfast and lunch options near job sites or staging areas.Coffee Shop or Bakery — Early mornings, long days, and visiting vendors make this a perfect fit.
→ Set up near main commuter routes and focus on fast service and reliable Wi-Fi.Short-Term Rentals or Real Estate Services — Temporary housing demand will spike for several years.
→ Specialize in relocation assistance or property management for short-term stays.Cleaning or Janitorial Business — Needed for both construction trailers and later for permanent offices.
→ Offer flexible cleaning packages to contractors and office managers.Mobile Car Wash or Vehicle Detailing — With so many workers commuting from nearby towns, convenience wins.
→ A mobile car-wash setup can visit parking areas or company lots.Landscaping and Property Maintenance — The massive site and its support buildings will need ongoing upkeep.
→ Build early relationships with property owners and facility managers.Transportation or Shuttle Service — Workers will need rides from hotels or rentals to the site each day.
→ Offer group shuttles or coordinate carpool routes with local employers.
How to Prepare Now
If you want to position your solo business for this opportunity:
Map your zone. Check how far you are from the construction site (Richland Parish, near Monroe). Think about service radius.
Build your network. Contact the general contractors (Mortenson, DPR, Turner) and ask about local vendor registration.
Lock in essentials. Get local permits, business insurance, and vendor-ready paperwork done now.
Create a micro-brand. A simple logo, website, or Facebook page helps local buyers remember and trust you.
Market locally. Flyers, yard signs, and local partnerships still work — especially in smaller Louisiana towns.
Final Thoughts
Large data-center projects like Meta’s don’t just change skylines — they change local economies.
Even if you’re a one-person business, there’s room to grow by serving the ecosystem around major infrastructure projects.
Look for what all those new workers and vendors will need daily — food, housing, tools, comfort, convenience — and be ready to provide it.
Small businesses that move fast, stay visible, and build local relationships will benefit the most.