OEV
Newsletter 

September 18, 2026

Accelerate AI: From Business Challenge to AI Solution in 4 Weeks

For businesses curious about AI but unsure where to begin, Accelerate AI is designed around a simple starting point: a real operational challenge. The program is intended for Tallahassee-Leon County business owners and decision-makers who are ready to identify a specific need—whether it involves customer service, forecasting, data, or administrative processes—and explore how AI could address it.

The Accelerate AI Kickoff on October 6 is the first step. Attendees will see the available solutions in action, learn how the program works, and receive information about the application process. Following the kickoff, interested businesses can apply to participate. Selected companies will work with Nub8 through a four-week implementation process that includes defining the challenge, configuring a solution on AWS infrastructure, testing and refining it with real business scenarios, and training the team for launch. No technical background is required, and there is no cost to participate. 

Accelerate AI is presented by OEV in partnership with Nub8 and Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

Workforce Development Month Highlights the Power of Local Talent

September is Workforce Development Month, an opportunity to recognize the people, programs, and partnerships that help prepare our community for the jobs of today and tomorrow. In Tallahassee-Leon County, workforce development is an essential part of economic development. A strong talent pipeline helps local businesses grow, supports business recruitment and expansion, and creates pathways for residents to build meaningful careers.

OEV works alongside employers, educational institutions, training providers, and community partners to help connect workforce needs with local talent and resources. From introducing students to career opportunities and expanding access to hands-on training to preparing workers with industry-relevant skills, these efforts strengthen the connection between education and employment. By investing in talent at every stage of the workforce pipeline, Tallahassee-Leon County is building a more competitive economy and ensuring businesses have access to the skilled workforce they need to succeed.

Kidpreneur Pop-up Market

Leon Works Expo

North Florida Worlds of Work

Advantage 2026 Highlights Opportunities for Local Businesses

The Office of Economic Vitality was proud to serve as a presenting sponsor of the Capital City Chamber of Commerce’s Advantage 2026 Summit, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, government agencies, and resource partners to explore the Capital Region’s economic outlook and opportunities for business growth. OEV Director Keith Bowers participated in a featured leadership conversation connecting economic trends with opportunities for local businesses.

The summit also connected businesses with resources to build capacity, pursue procurement and contracting opportunities, and prepare for growth. OEV Deputy Director Darryl Jones joined community partners for a discussion highlighting technical assistance, capital, and other resources available to businesses across Tallahassee-Leon County. Through partnerships like Advantage 2026, OEV continues to strengthen connections that help local businesses compete, grow, and succeed.

Tallahassee’s Second Senior Center Opens its Doors

Join us on Wednesday, September 23, at 10:30 AM, as the City of Tallahassee celebrates the opening of its second Senior Center at 2743 Welaunee Boulevard,  designed to expand opportunities for lifelong learning, recreation, wellness, and connection.

As an OEV-supported project with small business participation goals, this development created opportunities for small businesses to participate in a major public investment while delivering a new quality-of-life asset for the community. The state-of-the-art a 40,000-square-foot facility features six indoor pickleball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, fitness space, and a dedicated Lifelong Learning wing for educational, arts, health, and wellness programs.

Notable News

FDOE Awarded $6.6 Million Grant to Expand Work-Based Learning Opportunities for Florida Students

Florida Department of Education

TSC secures $17M for new facility at Wakulla Environmental Institute

City of Tallahassee

HR Strategy for Technology Startups (Webinar)

Join us for an exclusive webinar with veteran HR leader Mary Rizzuti, CCP, PHR, SHRM-CP, Practice Leader, Compensation Resources and EisnerAmper HR Advisory Services, for a webinar designed for startup founders and emerging company leaders.

With over 25 years of expertise in compensation strategy and organizational development, Mary will show startup founders how to build the HR infrastructure needed to scale smoothly while minimizing compliance risk.

Stick around for the live Q&A session to get practical, expert answers to your startup's real-world HR challenges!

FDEM 2028 State Hazard Mitigation
Plan Public Outreach Survey

The Florida Division of Emergency Management Bureau of Mitigation Planning Unit is pleased to announce the 2028 State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP) Public Outreach Survey.

As part of the update to the SHMP, the Planning Unit is seeking input from residents and businesses across Florida to better understand the hazards and risks they experience in their communities and the mitigation strategies they believe could be most effective. The survey also includes questions about hazard mitigation knowledge, current mitigation efforts within communities, and opportunities to reduce future risk.

Please complete the survey by October 15, 2026.