OEV
Newsletter 

May 16, 2025

Celebrating National Economic Development Week & Reflecting on OEV's Impact in Tallahassee-Leon County

This week marks National Economic Development Week, and the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is proud to celebrate the partnerships, programs, and progress that move our community forward. 

Since our founding in 2016, OEV has been committed to building a strong, inclusive, and resilient economy. Together with our community partners, we have generated over 17,000 jobs, supported more than 2,750 local businesses, and contributed to an annual economic impact of $430 million. These achievements are the result of deliberate and strategic actions and collaborative development. 

Magnetic Innovations in Tallahassee-Leon County with Dr. Kathleen Amm

In the inaugural episode of Economic Vitality Unplugged, host Keith Bowers and MagLab Director Dr. Kathleen Amm discuss how the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory contributes to research, education, and innovation in Tallahassee-Leon County. In addition to highlighting her personal journey and the lab’s global scientific leadership, Dr. Amm discusses several exciting initiatives that are shaping the future of science and economic development in our region.

Celebrating the 42nd Annual Big Bend Regional Small Business Week Awardees

The Office of Economic Vitality proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of the 42nd Annual Big Bend Regional Small Business Week awardees! These visionary entrepreneurs and dedicated business leaders exemplify the innovation, resilience, and community spirit that drive our region forward. Their contributions not only strengthen the local economy but also inspire future generations of small business owners across the Big Bend. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each honoree for their well-deserved recognition and thank them for making Tallahassee-Leon County a thriving place to live, work, and grow!

New Startup Business of the Year

Exalt Martial Arts

Small Business of the Year

Grova Creative

Innovative Business of the Year

Elite Business Strategies

OEV–CareerSource Capital Region Workforce Readiness Event Positions Job Seekers for Success

OEV, in partnership with CareerSource Capital Region, recently hosted the Are You Job Ready? Workforce Readiness Event to empower local job seekers with essential tools for career success. Held at the Williams Smith Community Center, the event featured resume support, job search assistance, and mock interviews—all designed to help participants build confidence and sharpen their skills. By connecting job seekers directly with workforce professionals, this collaborative event reflects OEV’s commitment to strengthening the local talent pipeline and ensuring individuals are prepared to take advantage of opportunities in Tallahassee-Leon County’s growing economy.

OEV and CareerSource Capital Region teamed up for a workforce readiness event

CareerSource Capital Region experts assisted attendees with job searches, resume reviews, and mock interviews

Notable News

Florida SBDC Network Announces 2024 Economic Impact: Billions in Sales, Thousands of Jobs, and Over 1,000 New Businesses

Zoe Medlock
www.floridasbdc.org

TC Bakery stirs up another shot with hit TV series 'Shark Tank'

Kyla A Sanford
Tallahassee Democrat

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

JMI Tallahassee Small Business Executive Program

Attention Small Business Owners! Ready to take your business to the next level? Apply for the Small Business Executive Program in Tallahassee!

This no-cost program from the Jim Moran Institute gives you tools and strategies to help you work on your business!

Participants should have been in business for at least three years and have three or more employees. Applications for the Fall 2025 program are due by June 4.

The FloridaCommerce Broadband Grant Registration Portal has Opened

The FloridaCommerce Office of Broadband has launched the Broadband Grant Registration Portal to streamline the application process for future broadband grant programs.

The Broadband Grant Registration Portal is a precursor to the Broadband Application Portal. Eligible applicants will preregister in the Registration Portal to receive credentials for the Broadband Application Portal. This preregistration will help confirm eligible applicants before the application cycles open.

New  InternFSU:TLH Program

The InternFSU: TLH Pilot Program will select 10 local small businesses to each host one paid InternFSU: TLH student during the Fall, Spring & Summer semesters. The program's mission is to support local small businesses build capacity to host paid high-impact internship opportunities in Tallahassee. 

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!