[More information at www.GrowFl.com]

Did you know that the 8% of Florida companies that considered “second-stage” are generating 36% of Florida jobs? If you are the CEO of one of these companies, you should be aware of the GrowFL initiative. There are a range of business services and even a special low-interest loan fund set up for qualified second-stage companies. More information about required qualifications are visible here.

Cultivating growth companies across the state is the mission of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, funded by the Florida Legislature at the University of Central Florida and involving a host of partners committed to local delivery of statewide services to help second-stage companies achieve their potential. At no charge, GrowFL will provide a suite of high-end, high-speed technical assistance and business resources to companies that have grown beyond the startup phase and need access to information and decision-making tools typically only available to larger companies.

There are 5,000 companies in Florida that fit the specific criteria of second-stage growth companies.  These for-profit, privately held businesses employ between 10 and 50 people, generate $1 million to $25 million in annual revenue, demonstrate growth in number of employees and gross revenues during three of the past five years, and qualify for the tax refund program for qualified target industry businesses.

Recently I attended a breakfast briefing regarding the program, and here are some of the highlights:

• Funded by the Florida legislature / No cost to companies.
• Focused on job-producing second-stage companies.
• Providing one-on-one technical assistance in growth sectors.
• Giving CEOs powerful new tools & ideas for business, matchmaking, and referrals.
• Community-based CEO networks for growth companies.
• Business loans available up to $250K @ only 2% interest.