OEV
Newsletter 

October 16, 2026

Big Bend Enterprise Development Week Celebrates Small Business Success and Community Leadership

Big Bend Enterprise Development (BBED) Week brought together 50 attendees for the Small Business Procurement Resource Fair, connecting local entrepreneurs and small business owners with valuable resources, networking opportunities, and insights into government and institutional contracting. The event featured Princess Ousley of Elite Business Strategies, who shared her expertise on positioning small businesses for growth and success. Attendees had the opportunity to build connections, explore procurement opportunities, and learn more about resources available to support their business goals.

The event also announced Jay Smith, President of AJAX Building Company, as the recipient of the Reggie L. Rolle Economic Development Champion Award, recognizing his contributions to the Big Bend business community and commitment to regional economic growth. Smith will be formally recognized at a later date with proclamations from the Tallahassee City Commission, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners, and the Leon County School Board. Through initiatives like Big Bend Enterprise Development Week, the Office of Economic Vitality continues to strengthen business connections, expand economic opportunities, and celebrate those helping shape the region’s future.

Accelerate AI Kicks Off, Bringing Free AI Solutions to Local Businesses

OEV, in partnership with Nub8 and Amazon Web Services (AWS), successfully launched Accelerate AI with an enthusiastic turnout of local business owners at the LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library. The kickoff event gathered entrepreneurs eager to explore how artificial intelligence and cloud technology can improve business operations, increase efficiency, and support growth. Attendees learned about practical applications of AI, including customer service assistants, intelligent document processing, customer insights, and sales and inventory forecasting.

The momentum is just beginning! Accelerate AI is a free, four-week program that provides participating Tallahassee-Leon County businesses with personalized guidance, hands-on implementation support, and team training to develop AI solutions tailored to their unique needs. No technical experience is required, and there is no upfront cost to participate. With a goal of supporting 120 local businesses over the next year, the initiative aims to make emerging technologies more accessible to the local business community. Interested businesses are encouraged to register and take advantage of this opportunity to put AI to work for their business.

Out Now: Quarterly Economic Dashboard

The Tallahassee metro area continues to demonstrate economic stability, with employment reaching 201,500 jobs in Q2 2026, up 400 from the previous year. Private-sector growth added 1,300 jobs, while initial unemployment claims declined 17% year-over-year. Wages also continued to rise, with average weekly earnings reaching $1,301 in Q4 2025, a 6.2% annual increase.

Other indicators highlight continued economic activity across the region. Tourism development tax receipts exceeded the 10-year first-quarter average by 44%, while single-family home permits increased nearly 20% year-over-year. Commercial real estate remained relatively tight, with office vacancy at 5.3% and industrial vacancy at 4.3%, reflecting limited available space across both markets.

Notable News

FloridaCommerce Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $10 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Isaias

FloridaCommerce

Protect Business Credit And Financial Flexibility Before A Crisis

Forbes 

FloridaCommerce Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Measure Impact of Damage Caused by Hurricane Isaias

Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Isaias. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Isaias recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses. Complete the survey online by visiting www.FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Isaias” from the dropdown menu.  

IGNITE FSU Events During Discovery Days

IGNITE Tallahassee Open House + Innovation Expo

Take a Look Inside Tallahassee's Hub for Innovative Startups

Join us for an inside look at IGNITE Tallahassee, a startup incubator empowering high-tech, deep-technology ventures throughout Florida’s Capital Region. Meet current incubator companies, connect with innovation leaders, and discover programs designed to support tech entrepreneurs in North Florida.

Fourth Annual Discovery Challenge

FSU's Annual Startup Pitch Competition!

Please join us for FSU’s 4th Annual Discovery Challenge!  FSU startups compete in a Shark Tank style pitch competition for up to $100,000 in cash prizes. Audience members will get in on the action to pick the company they think can go the distance with an Audience Choice award.