Enterprise Florida

Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a public-private partnership between Florida’s business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the state of Florida. EFI’s mission is to expand and diversify the state’s economy through job creation. In pursuit of its mission, EFI works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners ^[1] and is funded both by the State of Florida and by private-sector businesses.

History

In 1978, the responsibilities of the Florida Department of Commerce were split with the Department of Labor and Employment Security.

In 1996, under Governor Lawton Chiles, Florida became the first state in the country to place principal responsibility for economic development, international trade, research and business image marketing in the hands of a public-private partnership. Driving the effort was the belief that, with hands-on participation by Florida businesses, Florida could move from its traditional economic drivers of tourism and agriculture to a sophisticated mix of industries and international business. This model has been adopted by many U.S. states.

In 2011, under the leadership of Governor Rick Scott and through the Florida Legislature, the state created a seamless economic development team. The addition of the Secretary of Commerce position, which also serves as EFI’s President & CEO, has led to the efficient use of resources, and allowed EFI to more effectively coordinate the state’s economic development efforts with CareerSource Florida, Inc.^[2] and the recently created Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).^[3] In order to respond quickly to the needs of businesses, EFI operates like a business.

Leadership

Gray Swoope ^[4] was appointed by Governor Rick Scott in 2011 as the President & CEO of EFI and the Secretary of Commerce for the State of Florida. Secretary Swoope has strengthened EFI's partnerships with economic development organizations in each of the state's 67 counties, leading to a renewed focus on job creation statewide.

Under Secretary Swoope's guidance, EFI has increased established competitive projects by 20 percent, resulting in 84 percent more jobs and almost 150 percent more new capital investment in the state since 2010. Recently, Florida has announced competitive project wins involving dozens of companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Amazon, Hertz, Northrop Grumman, Embraer, Verizon and Navy Federal Credit Union.

Key Services

EFI's goal is to expand and diversify Florida's economy through job creation. In support of this mission, EFI:

• Recruits companies from all over the world to locate in Florida
• Assists with the expansion of established businesses in Florida
• Facilitates international trade and exporting
• Provides capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses
• Advocates for the protection of Florida's military bases
• Promotes professional and amateur sporting events throughout the state

Agency Organization

EFI was created in statute by the Florida Legislature as a public-private organization. A policy-driven Board of Directors ^[5] oversees the organization, composed of appointed members and a diverse group of investors representing some of the nation’s most notable corporations in Florida. In addition, each member of the Florida Cabinet holds a position on the board. Florida Governor Rick Scott serves as the Chairman of EFI’s Board of Directors. Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, Gray Swoope serves as President and CEO of Enterprise Florida.

Competitive Project Business Development

In collaboration with 67 statewide economic development offices, community leaders, utility partners and other local affiliates, EFI confidentially assists companies with their location, relocation and expansion plans by providing site selection services, demographic information, incentive information and much more. EFI’s job creation efforts focus on a wide range of industry sectors,^[6] including life sciences, information technology, aviation & aerospace, defense & homeland security, financial & professional services, manufacturing, clean energy and beyond.

International Trade & Development

Florida is home to more than 60,000 exporters, the second highest number in the United States. EFI assists Florida businesses in expanding into the international marketplace by providing export counseling and advice, conducting overseas trade missions and trade shows, offering financial assistance for international event attendance, as well as research and reports to facilitate the export process.^[7]

EFI has 15 international trade offices in 13 countries including Brazil, Canada (Toronto and Montreal), China (Shanghai and Hong Kong), France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom as well as pro bono offices in the Czech Republic and Taiwan.^[8]

Small Business Capital Programs

Enterprise Florida, Inc.’s (EFI) Minority & Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Capital (MaSBEC) division partners with outside organizations to provide small, minority and entrepreneurial companies with training, development and financing options. EFI has an extensive network of state, federal and non-profit resources ready to assist small businesses in accessing capital, entering new markets, and creating revenue growth and job creation.^[9]

Florida Defense Alliance

Florida Defense Alliance (FDA) ^[10] was created in 1998 as a non-profit partnership between the Governor, Florida state officials, the Florida Congressional Delegation, state legislators, base commanders and staff, community leaders, and business executives. FDA's mission is to increase military value, enhance base capabilities, and promote multi-service synergies for Florida’s military bases, while supporting and enhancing the quality of life of Florida military families.

Florida Sports Foundation

In 2011, Florida Sports Foundation (FSF) ^[11] joined the EFI team. FSF's mission is to assist Florida’s communities with securing, hosting and retaining Sporting events and sports related business that generate significant economic impact and tourism through the Foundation’s grant programs, legislative initiatives and Industry Partner service, recognition and development. FSF also provides the citizens of Florida with participation opportunities in Florida’s Sunshine State Games and Florida Senior Games events and assists in the promotion of targeted leisure sports industries in Florida.

References

External links

• EnterpriseFlorida.com
• Governor Rick Scott
• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
• CareerSource Florida
• Space Florida
• Visit Florida
• MyFlorida.com
• Florida Chamber of Commerce