OEV
Newsletter 

June 28, 2024

OEV Honors Vanessa Spalding and Tangela Lofton

OEV recently hosted a special reception to honor two incredible leaders: Vanessa Spalding, Deputy Director of Aviation at the Tallahassee International Airport, and Tangela Lofton, Director of the Florida SBDC at FAMU. These remarkable women have ascended to vital positions within our economic ecosystem, and their leadership promises to drive significant progress and innovation.

Tallahassee International Airport drives economic growth by facilitating efficient transportation and logistics, attracting businesses, and supporting tourism. Under Vanessa's leadership, the airport will continue to be a vital hub for economic activity in our region.

The Florida SBDC at FAMU supports small businesses through expert advice, resources, and training. Tangela's direction will enhance the center's ability to empower local entrepreneurs, fostering job creation and economic resilience.

As they enter their new roles, we look forward to their continued success and the growth they will foster within Tallahassee-Leon County. So, join us in congratulating Vanessa and Tangela on their well-deserved ascension to these pivotal positions!

SBA Offering Disaster Assistance to Businesses Affected by Tornadoes

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to businesses and residents in Florida following the announcement of a Presidential disaster declaration for severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that occurred on May 10. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Tallahassee-Leon County are eligible for Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

DataTALKS: Healthcare Industry

Our latest DataTALKS episode delves into the critical insights and trends shaping the Tallahassee-Leon County healthcare industry. Watch to learn the key factors driving growth and innovation in the local healthcare sector!

We're looking for a Business Development Manager, Applied Sciences!

Interested in expanding scientific business ventures in Tallahassee-Leon County? Join our team as the Business Development Manager, Applied Sciences!

Notable News

The 7 questions small business owners always ask me — and the 1 question I wish they would

Ginger Siegel
Mastercard

Leon County unemployment rate dropped in May despite devastating tornadoes

Jacob Murphey
WCTV

Florida’s Gross Domestic Product Growth Rate DOUBLES the National Rate Over the Last Five Years

FloridaCommerce

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Leon Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (LEAP)

LEAP seeks to help those in the Big Bend region—Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, and other adjacent communities—facing economic or other hardships to start and grow businesses. This program provides hands-on exposure to launching and growing a successful venture. Taught by seasoned faculty, subject matter experts, and successful entrepreneurs, the program occurs on six consecutive Saturday mornings in the fall from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is followed by a networking lunch.

Topics covered in the Community Bootcamp address all facets of a successful venture, ranging from the development of a viable business concept to understanding your market, designing your profit model, setting up operations properly, marketing your venture, and understanding the basic numbers. Our underlying focus is how to think and act in entrepreneurial ways—including how to do more with less—and how to grow a venture when you have little in the way of resources. The approach will be interactive, so participants will be encouraged to bring business ideas and challenges into the weekly discussions.

Apply for Domi Station's Incubation Program

Domi Station is still accepting applications for its incubation program. The 6-month program provides entrepreneurial education and resources to individuals starting or looking to grow their businesses.

Register as a Worlds of Work Exhibitor!

With over 4,000 attendees expected from five area counties, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with the next generation of talent. Join over 100 businesses providing immersive experiences across 10 world industries. Your participation will make a huge impact in shaping our workforce's future!

Let's show these students the amazing career opportunities right here in our region!

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!