Accelerate AI: Free AI & Cloud Solutions for Tallahassee-Leon County Businesses
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Tallahassee-Leon County businesses are invited to Accelerate AI, a new hands-on program from the OEV, Nub8, and Amazon Web Services designed to help local companies put AI to work. Join us for the kick-off event, to see practical AI and cloud solutions in action and discover how tools such as AI assistants, sales & inventory forecasting, customer dashboards, and intelligent document processing can improve your operations.
Accelerate AI Kickoff Event
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Location TBD
Selected businesses will receive personalized guidance, full implementation support, and team training over four weeks—with no technical background required and no upfront cost to participate. Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot!
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OEV Podcast Recognized Internationally for Economic Development Storytelling
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International recognition honors OEV’s innovative approach to making local economic development accessible, engaging, and community-centered
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The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) has earned a Silver Award in the Digital Media category of the International Economic Development Council’s 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards for Economic Vitality Unplugged, OEV’s podcast highlighting the people, projects and industries powering the Tallahassee-Leon County economy. IEDC’s Digital Media category recognizes economic development marketing efforts delivered through podcasts and other forms of digital technology.
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Produced by OEV and hosted by OEV Director Keith Bowers, Economic Vitality Unplugged features candid conversations with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators working across advanced manufacturing, technology, commercial real estate, workforce development, and other sectors. Since debuting in May 2025, the series has served as both an educational resource and a storytelling platform, showcasing the people and partnerships driving the region’s economic momentum.
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FSU and FAMU Drive an
Expanding Research Economy
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Total research and development expenditures at Florida State University and Florida A&M University surpassed $529 million in 2024, underscoring the universities’ role as major drivers of innovation and economic activity in Tallahassee-Leon County. FSU accounted for 87% of the total and FAMU 13%. From 2020 to 2024, combined R&D expenditures grew by an average of 7.6% annually, supporting research talent, new discoveries and opportunities to translate innovation into economic growth.
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Federal investment is a major part of this research ecosystem. Between 2020 and 2024, federally financed R&D at FSU and FAMU averaged approximately $220 million annually and represented half of all R&D expenditures. The National Science Foundation (NSF) accounted for an average of 31% of federally financed R&D, while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services represented 24%. Together, these investments demonstrate Tallahassee-Leon County’s ability to attract significant outside funding and strengthen a research base that supports talent, innovation, and long-term economic competitiveness.
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Source: NSF, Higher Education Research and Development Survey (HERD)
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Support a Black-Owned Business this Black Business Month!
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Discover the unique goods, flavors, services, and experiences offered by Black-owned businesses throughout our community, and support the entrepreneurs who help make Tallahassee-Leon County vibrant and distinctive!
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Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners
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Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP)
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The Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP) helps local entrepreneurs access the training, mentorship, and resources they need to strengthen their businesses and create lasting economic impact in our community.
LEAP is part of the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI), a global network dedicated to expanding economic opportunity through entrepreneurship.
As members of the UPBI network, the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship and the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship bring this mission to our community through LEAP, helping entrepreneurs build stronger businesses and contribute to a more resilient local economy.
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Executive Communications for
Founders Webinar
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Great ideas don't sell themselves. Join featured speaker Katie Coronado—executive communications strategist, former television journalist, and journalism professor—for an interactive workshop designed to help founders communicate with clarity, confidence, and credibility.
Learn How To:
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- Explain complex concepts to a variety of audiences
- Communicate effectively with investors, customers, and partners
- Build trust and executive presence
- Navigate presentations, interviews, and difficult questions with confidence
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Read Past Issues of the OEV Newsletter Online!
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Delve into past issues of the OEV Newsletter to catch up on updates, insights, economic development initiatives, programs, and opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County!
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315 S. Calhoun Street Suite 110 | Tallahassee, FL 32301 US
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