Enterprise Florida, Inc. 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 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.
Leadership
On January 7, 2019, Jamal Sowell was named President & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc..
Key services
EFI's goal is to expand and diversify Florida's economy through job creation. In support of this mission, EFI:
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
A public-private partnership
EFI was created in statute by the Florida Legislature as a public-private organization. A Board of Directors oversees the organization, composed of appointed members representing Florida corporations. In addition, each member of the Florida Cabinet holds a position on the board. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis serves as the Chairman of EFI’s Board of Directors.
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, etc. EFI’s job creation efforts focus on a wide range of industry sectors, including life sciences, information technology, aviation & aerospace, defense & homeland security, financial & professional services, manufacturing, clean energy and beyond.
Florida is home to more than 60,000 exporters, the second highest number in the United States. EFI's stated mission is to assist 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. Enterprise Florida maintains a network of 14 International Offices in 13 countries whose markets offer important trade and/or investment opportunities for Florida. Twelve full-service offices provide assistance to Florida companies that want to sell their products and services in these markets: Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and the U.K. They also play a critical role in representing Florida overseas and attracting foreign investment to the state. Pro bono offices in the Czech Republic and Taiwan provide limited services to Florida exporters interested in those markets.
Small business capital programs
Enterprise Florida, Inc.’s Minority & Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Capital division partners with outside organizations to provide small, minority and entrepreneurial companies with training, development and financing options. EFI has a network of state, federal and non-profit resources with the stated purpose of helping small businesses to access capital, enter new markets, and create revenue growth and job creation.
Florida Defense Alliance
Florida Defense Alliance 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 joined the EFI team. FSF's mission is to assist Florida’s communities with securing, hosting and retaining Sporting events and sports related business to generate 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.
