Second-Stage Businesses Compete to Earn Prestigious Honor
GrowFL is thrilled to announced that applications are now open for the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch® awards program. GrowFL is Florida’s only organization that focuses exclusively on second-stage growth companies, delivering programs and services for local communities to help these companies thrive and prosper.
Each year, GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch recognized the top fifty dynamic second-stage businesses throughout the state. The honorees are selected from a pool of more than 500 nominations and excel in developing valuable products and services, demonstrate past and future growth opportunities, embody entrepreneurial leadership, create quality jobs, and enrich the local communities.
The 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch program is brought to you by Duke Energy and Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.
“The highly anticipated GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch has become a beacon for highlighting the exceptional companies that are driving economic growth and innovation across our great state. To date, GrowFL has recognized 600 companies in Florida with this prestigious recognition, showcasing their remarkable potential and innovative spirit,” said Jennifer Taylor, GrowFL president and CEO. “We are thrilled to soon welcome another class of 50 outstanding businesses into the GrowFL family,”
Eligible applicants must be privately held, second-stage commercial enterprises. Qualifying companies must also be headquartered in the state of Florida, employ between 6 and 150 employees, and earn between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue. Applicants will go undergo two rounds of judging by a panel of esteemed business leaders, economic development partners and past honorees. Finalists will be announced in August and from that group of Finalists, the top 50 companies will be selected and emerge as honorees.
“As a 2014 Florida Company to Watch Alumnus and current Chairman, I highly encourage all ambitious businesses across Florida to seize this opportunity and apply for the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Award!”, said David Carrier, GrowFL Advisory Board Chair. “This esteemed recognition transformed my business, QuantumFlo, Inc., propelling us into the spotlight and sparking a growth inflection point in the business. This honor culminated in the successful sale of the company in 2021. I would encourage those second-stage organizations across Florida to showcase their potential, gain valuable exposure and join a community of industry leaders in the State by submitting your application today. The Florida Companies to Watch award is your gateway to accelerated growth and resources through GrowFL as well as, recognition in support of your ongoing successful business journey!”
Second-stage companies are a small but mighty group in Florida, representing only 12% of the state’s businesses but generating more than 34% of all jobs in the state. In fact, a typical GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch class is comprised of businesses who collectively gross over $450 million in annual revenue, add more than 350 new jobs per year, average a 30% increase in earnings and experience 20% growth in employees annually.
“Since 2011, this prestigious program has been instrumental in showcasing the exceptional talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within our great state. Second-stage companies are the true rockstars that keep our communities strong by stimulating the economy, keeping the workforce employed, and giving back in ways that will change the course of our state for years to come,” said Dr. Tom O’Neal, GrowFL Founder. “This award was designed to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and to shine a spotlight on the most deserving companies across Florida. It’s our honor to recognize their continued success and growth.”
Applications are open through Friday, July 21. The Finalists will be announced in August and the top 50 honorees will be announced in September. Honorees will be recognized at the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards gala in February 2024. The gala will be held at the Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk in Orlando, Florida. Tickets will be available in September.
For more information and to apply for GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch, please visit.https://growfl.com/about-growfl-flctw.
