The “sunshine” state may have more than sunrays beaming out of its core. For sometime now, Florida has been a front-runner in the innovation industry making its presence known nationwide. Through collaborative efforts, the state was able to implement a statewide, innovation-centric economic development engine that includes all aspects of the state’s economy.

In the midst of all this collaboration is Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI). EFI is a public-private partnership that serves as Florida’s primary organization devoted to statewide economic development based in Orlando. With a mission to facilitate job growth, EFI works closely with a network of economic development partners including business leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs. EFI also cover an variety of industries including aviation/aerospace, life sciences, information technology, homeland security/defense, clean energy, financial/professional services, manufacturing and beyond.

EFI’s initiatives are committed to producing revenue growth, company expansions and job creation. Their work and partnerships are paying off, and in 2013 have gained Florida top recognition including:

·      No. 1 State for Innovation (Fast Company; May 2013)
·      No. 10 State for Starting a Business (Entrepreneur; April 2013)
·      World’s Best University Biotechnology Incubator (UBI Research Group; July 2013)In due time, Florida’s successful innovation industry will be as widely known as the year-round warmth.

Read more about Enterprise Florida, Inc. here.