OEV
Newsletter 

October 3, 2025

Spotlight: Jim Moran Institute

& Marina Lickson

Presenting Sponsor – 2025 Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week

As the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) celebrates its 30th anniversary of service across Florida, the Office of Economic Vitality is proud to welcome JMI as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. This milestone year highlights JMI’s enduring commitment to cultivating, training, and inspiring entrepreneurial leaders through world-class executive education, applied training, public recognition, and cutting-edge research.

At the forefront of this mission is Marina Lickson, Director of Northwest Florida programs. A seasoned entrepreneur and community leader, Lickson brings over 15 years of small business ownership in Tallahassee, along with extensive experience in event planning and program administration for the State of Florida. Her journey with JMI began as a graduate of the Tallahassee Small Business Executive Program (SBEP), making her leadership both personal and impactful.

Under Lickson’s guidance, JMI continues to empower small business owners and nonprofit leaders through one of the most extensive outreach programs in the nation. Offered at no cost, JMI’s signature programs include:

As the challenges of operating and growing a business evolve, JMI remains a trusted source of expertise and executive education, especially for enterprises with at least three employees and three years in operation.

We’re honored to spotlight Marina Lickson and the Jim Moran Institute during this year’s MED Week celebration. Their legacy of leadership and inclusive entrepreneurship continues to shape the future of Florida’s small business ecosystem.

Marina Lickson, Director of Northwest Florida Programs

Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI) 

Event Sponsored by the Office of Economic Vitality

Announcing the 33rd Annual Big Bend
MED Week Calendar of Events

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is pleased to announce the calendar of events for the 33rd Annual Big Bend MED Week, scheduled to take place from October 3 to 8, 2025. This week-long celebration features workshops and networking opportunities designed to empower entrepreneurs, foster economic growth, and connect participants with resources that support business development.

This year’s theme, Legacy in Motion: “Community, Business, Progress,” reflects the lasting impact of entrepreneurship on Tallahassee-Leon County’s future—highlighting how strong community connections, thriving businesses, and forward-looking progress build a resilient and prosperous local economy. Please see below for the complete schedule of events.

Celebrating National Women's
Business Month

October is National Women’s Business Month, and the Office of Economic Vitality is proud to honor the women entrepreneurs and business leaders who strengthen our economy and community every day.

Women-owned businesses are one of the fastest-growing segments in the nation, fueling innovation, creating jobs, and driving inclusive economic growth. Here in our region, women continue to break barriers, build opportunities, and inspire future generations of leaders.

At OEV, we are committed to supporting women-owned businesses through resources, partnerships, and programs that help them start, grow, and succeed. This month, we celebrate their accomplishments and reaffirm our dedication to fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant economy—powered by women in business!

Support a Woman-Owned Business
this Women's Business Month!

Show your support for women entrepreneurs by shopping at and promoting women-owned businesses. These businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen our community. Whether it’s a local boutique, a woman-led tech startup, or a minority-owned enterprise, your support helps fuel economic growth and gender equality in business.

Lively Technical College Featured
on LIVE in Tallahassee!

LIVE in Tallahassee visited Lively Technical College to see how their programs drive business and industry growth in Tallahassee-Leon County.

Notable News

Women Entrepreneurs Are Rising In The American South. More Want To Join Their Community

Elaine Pofeldt
Forbes

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Florida Ranks #1 for Higher Education for 10th Consecutive Year 

FloridaCommerce

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Spring 2026 InternFSU: TLH Program

The InternFSU: TLH Spring 2026 Program will select 10 local small businesses to each host one paid InternFSU: TLH student during the Spring 2026 semester (January 7–April 24, 2026). The local business would hire and pay a student intern no less than $16 per hour for at least 10 hours per week January 7–April 24th, 2026. At the conclusion of semester the 10 selected internship sites will submit an invoice for associated internship costs up to $1,500 for reimbursement. The program's mission is to support local small businesses build capacity to host paid, high-impact internship opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County. 

Interested local businesses must submit their application by
October 13th, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

How to Access $3B+ in Non-Dilutable, Small Business Funding

This presentation provides a basic introduction to the purpose, eligibility requirements and structure of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs. These two initiatives are referred to as the Nation’s largest source of early stage, high risk, non-diluted funding for start-ups and small businesses.

Read Past Issues of the OEV Newsletter Online!

Delve into past issues of the OEV Newsletter to catch up on updates, insights, economic development initiatives, programs, and opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County!