OEV
Newsletter 

May 15, 2026

Big Bend Business Leaders Gather for 43rd Annual Small Business Week

The 43rd Annual Regional Big Bend Small Business Week connected entrepreneurs, community leaders, and resource partners for three days of collaboration, learning, and celebration across the region. Hosted by the Florida Small Business Development Center at FAMU, the event emphasized equipping entrepreneurs with practical tools and support to help their businesses grow in an evolving economy.

The week began with an Opening Reception focused on networking and relationship-building, followed by a full day of workshops and an Exhibit Fair at the AC Marriott Hotel. Entrepreneurs participated in sessions covering cash flow management, marketing, cybersecurity, and funding opportunities while connecting with advisors and fellow business owners. The week concluded with an Awards Luncheon recognizing outstanding local businesses and community leaders for their contributions and achievements.

Sponsored in part by OEV, the event highlighted the strength and impact of the local small business community. From educational workshops to meaningful networking opportunities, Small Business Week 2026 showcased the collaboration, innovation, and resilience that continue to drive the Big Bend’s entrepreneurial community.

Celebrating LaTanya's 30 Years of Service for the City of Tallahassee

For 30 years, LaTanya Raffington has dedicated her career to supporting economic opportunity and strengthening the Tallahassee business community. As Manager of the Office of Economic Vitality’s Minority, Women & Small Business Enterprise Division, LaTanya has provided invaluable guidance, technical assistance, and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Tallahassee-Leon County. Her expertise in contract compliance, supplier diversity, and business certification programs has made a lasting impact on the community and the many businesses she has helped along the way. Please join us in congratulating LaTanya on this remarkable milestone and thanking her for three decades of dedicated public service!

Leon Works Expo Featured on LIVE in Tallahassee!

Joel from LIVE in Tallahassee takes viewers inside the 2026 Leon Works Expo, talking with local employers, students, and workforce leaders about career opportunities, hands-on training, and the future of work in Tallahassee-Leon County! As he moves through the expo floor, Joel captures the energy of students exploring career paths and businesses connecting with the next generation of talent. Watch the full feature below!

Growing Industries in the
Tallahassee Metro Area

The Tallahassee metropolitan area’s largest employment sectors include Professional and Business Services, Financial Activities, Construction, Education and Health Services, and Local Government. Over the past five years, the fastest-growing industries by percentage growth have been Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, Manufacturing, Construction, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities. In 2025, annual average employment in Professional and Business Services reached 29,600 jobs, up 1,100 jobs (+3.9%) from 2024, while Financial Activities grew to 9,900 jobs, an increase of 500 jobs (+5.3%) from 9,400 in 2024. Construction, including Mining and Logging, increased to 10,400 jobs in 2025, up 200 jobs (+2.0%) from 10,200 in 2024.

Source: Florida Commerce, Current Employment Statistics (CES). 

Notable News

FloridaCommerce Announces Extension to Opportunity Zone 2.0 Census Tract Recommendation Survey 

Florida Commerce Press Release
www.FloridaJobs.org

Navigating the New Tax Law: What Small Businesses Need to Know

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Download One Pager Guide

Founder Series Vibeathon

The Founder Series Vibeathon on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Amicus Brewing Ventures is a high-energy, 5 hour sprint designed for founders and aspiring creators to turn a raw idea into a working product in a single sitting. No coding experience is required—just bring your curiosity, creativity and a problem worth solving to this lightweight, electric vibeathon where we'll build and launch together using Lovable!

Lead from the Front, Coach from Behind: How to Grow Young Talent

Join local business leaders and HR professionals for a no-cost lunch and learn workshop. This Power Hour session, “Lead from the Front, Coach from Behind: How to Grow Young Talent," delivers practical, ready-to-use skills.

Key Takeaways: