OEV
Newsletter 

April 17, 2026

Collaborative Workshop Positions Tallahassee-Leon County for Opportunity Zone 2.0 Success

The Leon County Opportunity Zone 2.0 Workshop, hosted by OEV in partnership with FloridaCommerce, successfully convened local leaders, businesses, and community stakeholders for a discussion on the future of investment in Tallahassee-Leon County. The session provided a clear overview of the program’s next phase, including timeline updates and the state’s nomination process.

A key highlight was the workshop’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making presented by Victor Leotta from Location Design Group, equipping participants with tools and criteria to identify investment-ready census tracts. Discussions centered on aligning market potential, infrastructure, and project readiness to strengthen local recommendations and maximize long-term economic impact.

The strong participation and collaborative dialogue underscored our community’s commitment to strategic growth. Insights gathered during the workshop will help inform competitive Opportunity Zone 2.0 submissions, positioning Tallahassee-Leon County to attract new investment and drive sustainable economic development.

Save the Date for the 43rd Annual Big Bend Regional Small Business Week!

Join us for the 43rd Annual Big Bend Regional Small Business Week: a celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic impact across our region! Hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center at FAMU, this three-day event brings together small business owners, corporate leaders, government agencies, and community stakeholders from across the nation. Expect inspiring speakers, valuable resources, meaningful connections, and a renewed focus on helping businesses grow and thrive throughout the Big Bend region.

This is your opportunity to:

Whether you're launching, scaling, or strengthening your business, this week is designed with YOU in mind. Secure your spot today and be part of the region’s largest celebration of small business:

Event sponsored by the Office of Economic Vitality

Talent on the Rise: Educational Attainment in Tallahassee-Leon County 

Leon County’s educational profile has strengthened markedly over the past two decades, reflecting a steady rise in degree attainment and a workforce that is increasingly credentialed. By 2024, more than half of residents age 25 and older (51.2%) held a Bachelor’s degree or higher, a significant increase from 41.7% in 2000. This growth not only signals local momentum but also positions the county well above broader benchmarks, surpassing both the State of Florida (35.8%) and the national average (36.8%).

Within Tallahassee, the trend is even more pronounced. The city has emerged as a concentrated hub of higher education attainment, with 53.9% of adult residents holding at least a Bachelor’s degree. Together, these figures point to a community that has steadily built a more educated talent base, reinforcing its competitiveness and long-term economic potential.

Source: US Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey, 2020-2024, Table S1501.

Notable News

Florida State University hosts inaugural Florida Quantum Conference

 William Wellock
FSU News

Florida Businesses Set Record High Export Sales in 2025 

FloridaCommerce

Upcoming Opportunities
from Our Partners

Understanding Your Target Market & Value Proposition

Join us for Session 3 of the Roadmap to Business Workshop Series in partnership with the Leon County Public Library  on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM!

Learn how to identify your ideal customers, define the problem your business solves, and use simple market research tools to stand out from the competition.

TiE Master Class: EdTech x AI

Why are the most successful EdTech startups in 2026 focusing on listening rather than talking?

Join us for a master class on the next generation of K-12 administrative and literacy tools. We’re deep-diving into the trends and future of EdTech x AI, where we separate the AI-hype from the tools actually moving the needle on student outcomes.

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!