According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, if Florida were an independent nation, it would have the 15th largest economy in the world. In 2021, the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis continued to build upon Florida’s economic success through increasing the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to $74 million. The grants are designed to assist communities in funding workforce training and public infrastructure projects to support growth and employment throughout the state.
Governor DeSantis has presented rural and urban communities throughout Northwest Florida with $3.6 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund in 2021. These grants will be utilized to further the region’s cybersecurity, logistics and advanced manufacturing industries through the development of new workforce training programs and industrial sites.
Chipola College, in Marianna, received $354,000 through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand its cybersecurity program. Cybersecurity students wil have access to eight cybersecurity certifications that are transferable across many different industries and occupations, both in the public and private sectors. The funding will be used to support the cost of equipment, personnel, scholarships, training materials and support services.
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), in Niceville, was awarded $2.8 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to develop a diesel mechanic technician training program. The grant award will support NWFSC’s existing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program. Training will be offered in partnership with Cummins and will assist students in developing skills that are in demand, resulting in multiple industry-recognized credentials.
The Walton County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) received $500,000 through the Job Growth Grant Fund to complete the Northwest Florida Commerce Park at Woodlawn. The grant will be used for the construction of roads, sewer and water infrastructure improvements at the industrial park. As a result, Walton County is expected to support 1,000 jobs in various industries through this investment and others.
The Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis’s commitment to workforce and economic development will continue to spur economic growth in Northwest Florida and throughout the state for years to come. For more information on the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, click here.
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization is an investor‐supported 501(c)(6) not for profit corporation created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness.
APPLICATION WINDOW NOW OPEN FOR CLASS III OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S REGIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Northwest, FL – Applications are now being accepted for Class III of Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional collaboration program offered by Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation.
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FloridaCommerce Secretary Explores Regional Opportunities on Familiarization Tour Hosted by Florida's Great Northwest
Economic Development Project Wins and Industrial Site Readiness were the Focus of the Tour
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Florida Ranked 4th in Military Defense Spending in The Nation
In Florida, the aviation and military industry plays a vital role in the state's economy. Recently, Florida was ranked 4th in military defense spending in the nation. This ranking represents $30.2 Billion and 5.4% of the Department of Defense's total expenditures in the United States. Most of this spending contributes to the state's aviation and aerospace industry.
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Florida was ranked 4th in High Tech Employment
Florida was ranked 4th in High Tech Employment by CompTIA research.
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REGIONAL COLLABORATION PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS SECOND CLASS OF GRADUATES
At a closing retreat and graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024, Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored its new graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional collaboration program focused on community, content, and connection.
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Florida was ranked 4th in Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index
Florida was ranked 4th in Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index.
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Florida's Great Northwest's Shane Chadwick Achieves International Economic Development Certification
Regional economic development professional, Shane Chadwick, who serves as business intelligence and marketing manager with Florida’s Great Northwest, has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
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Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite recognized with prestigious ‘Select Site’ distinction by CSX Railroad
Okaloosa County’s Shoal River Ranch Gigasite recognized with prestigious ‘Select Site’ distinction by CSX Railroad
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NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S STATE LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION GATHE RS WITH BUSINESS LEADERS IN TALLAHASSEE
Tallahassee, FL – This week, community leaders from the region’s 13 counties gathered in the State’s Capitol to support the legislators from Northwest Florida to demonstrate the commitment to their state leadership roles that are critical keys to the region’s success in economic competitiveness.
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Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly Appoints Jennifer Conoley to the SelectFlorida Board of Directors
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly announced the first SelectFlorida Board of Directors, appointing Greg Britton, Jennifer Conoley, Beth Kigel, Nick Primrose, Michael Simas, Kelly Smallridge and Mark Wilson to the board.
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