Becker & Poliakoff

Becker & Enterprise Florida Discuss Benefits of $74M Job Growth Grant Fund

Becker & Enterprise Florida Discuss Benefits of $74M Job Growth Grant Fund

Becker & PoliakoffBecker Shareholder Yolanda Cash Jackson recently welcomed Florida Secretary of Commerce and Enterprise Florida President & CEO Jamal Sowell for an in-depth conversation about the purpose and impact of the state’s Job Growth Grant Fund. This economic development program, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, is designed to promote public infrastructure projects and workforce training across Florida.

“Given Becker’s longstanding advocacy in Florida Government, it was only natural to support Enterprise Florida’s efforts to advance our statewide economy,” said Cash Jackson. “By facilitating this conversation, we hoped to connect new and existing companies with resources that could brighten the future of their business and improve the well-being of our local communities.”

Entities that wish to access this grant fund must submit public infrastructure proposals that promote economic recovery in specific regions of the state, economic diversification or economic enhancement in a targeted industry. To maintain eligibility, requests cannot exclusively benefit any single company, corporation or business entity and must be invested in infrastructure owned by the public, for public use, or that predominately benefits the public. To view a list of Florida’s growing industries, please click here.

“Enterprise Florida believes that Florida is positioned to become a sophisticated economy driven by diverse industries and international business,” said Sowell. “This funding will empower our communities, position Florida for next-level opportunities, and put Floridians into good paying jobs.”

In addition to public infrastructure projects, the grant also supports workforce training programs that provide Floridians with transferable, sustainable skills applicable to more than a single employer. To view the 2021-2022 Regional Demand Occupation List, please click here.

“The nature of this fund encourages companies to evaluate Florida communities, identify the best strategic fit for the future of both the business and the community, and outline how many Floridians can be hired and trained to perform the necessary operations,” said LaToya Sheals, a government relations consultant with Becker’s State Legislative Lobbying Team. “We hope the Job Growth Grant Fund helps businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic and ultimately creates a better future beyond the Sunshine State.”

Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) will accept proposals for workforce training and infrastructure projects until all funds have been awarded. To learn more about the Job Growth Grant Fund or to download an application, please click here.

Becker’s State Legislative Lobbying Team in Tallahassee is on the forefront of legislative and regulatory developments. We combine our substantive knowledge of complicated policy areas with our deep understanding of Florida’s political landscape to provide strategic lobbying services to companies and organizations before the Florida Legislature, the Governor’s Office, and regulatory agencies. We are also uniquely positioned to provide clients with advice regarding the legal implications of legislative and regulatory proposals. To learn more about Becker’s state lobbying services, please click here.

Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) is a public-private partnership of business and government leaders committed to promoting Florida as a premier business destination and expanding the state’s economy through private-sector job creation. EFI serves as the state’s primary entity for trade and export development supporting more than 60,000 Florida exporting businesses. The organization also assists small and minority businesses through its capital programs, supports Florida’s defense industry through the Florida Defense Alliance and Florida Defense Support Task Force, and champions sport industry growth through the Florida Sport Foundation. To learn more about EFI, please click here.