In just five months, a new economic development initiative funded last year by the Florida Legislature and administered locally by the Economic Development Council (EDC) of Collier County is already reaping benefits by helping established Florida companies get the tools they need to succeed and grow new jobs.
Thanks to the leaders of this year’s legislative session, in both the Florida Senate and House, which voted to include additional funding, this program will continue to positively impact Florida’s existing businesses.
As a firsthand witness to the impact the Economic Gardening program has already made on our region’s growth-oriented businesses, I applaud our legislative leaders for recognizing the potential of this program to create thousands of jobs in Florida.
The GrowFL Technical Assistance Program was unveiled by the Florida Economic Gardening Institute (FEGI) and partners, including the EDC of Collier County, Florida Economic Development Council, Enterprise Florida, Workforce Florida, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and others late last year as a statewide effort to cultivate what are known as “second-stage” growth companies. These are companies that have grown beyond the entrepreneurial stage to become successful, but which could use some additional assistance to reach the next stage in the business growth cycle.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Guest commentary: Economic Gardening already reaping benefits » Naples Daily News
Author: Tammie Nemecek / President and CEO, Economic Development Council of Collier County
