As the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season approaches, which is projected to have above-normal hurricane activity, businesses in Tallahassee-Leon County must prepare for potential storms before they strike. Hurricanes can cause widespread disruption, but a solid preparedness plan can help your business weather the storm and recover quickly. Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters Natural disasters like hurricanes can lead […]
This week marks National Economic Development Week, and the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is proud to celebrate the partnerships, programs, and progress that move our community forward. Since our founding in 2016, OEV has been committed to building a strong, inclusive, and resilient economy. Together with our community partners, we have generated […]
According to the 2023 Annual Business Survey (ABS) published in December 2024 by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Tallahassee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) ranks #14 nationally for the highest percentage of Black-owned businesses. The ABS, which reflects data from 2022, found approximately 7,828 employer firms in the Tallahassee MSA, of which 549 (7%) were Black […]
The 2025 Motor, Drive Systems & Magnetics (MDSM) Conference has officially wrapped up, and what an incredible event for Tallahassee-Leon County! From February 18–20, 2025, our community transformed into a global hub for innovation—attracting more than 260 industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to explore the latest advancements in magnetics, motor design, drive systems, and motion […]
Tallahassee State College (TSC) is spotlighting local Black business leaders with the 25th annual Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar. This year’s theme, “African Americans in the Workforce,” recognizes change agents, barrier breakers, and influencers propelling our region forward. Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) Director Keith Bowers is the 2025 President’s Award […]
We are thrilled to introduce the Money Smart Program for Adults, a comprehensive 15-week hybrid course designed to empower residents of North Florida with essential financial skills and knowledge. This program, developed by the FDIC, offers practical, unbiased education on budgeting, credit management, homeownership planning, and more. Sessions will be held both in-person at Tallahassee State […]
As 2024 comes to a close, the Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is grateful for another incredible year of achievements fueled by collaboration and community support. Together, we celebrated several milestones: During 2024, we witnessed another successful execution of the Leon Works Expo and North Florida Worlds of Work, designed to educate students across the […]
Fifteen Tallahassee-based companies were recently recognized in Florida Trend’s sixteenth annual “Best Companies To Work For In Florida” ranking, showcasing our area’s commitment to fostering exceptional work environments. These companies have excelled in creating workplaces that prioritize employee well-being, career growth, and work-life balance. As a result, Tallahassee strengthens its reputation as a thriving hub for […]
In the aftermath of the devastating North Florida tornadoes on May 10, OEV is compiling a comprehensive list of small business recovery resources to assist those impacted. These resources will include information on financial aid, grants, loan programs, technical assistance, and other support services designed to help small businesses rebuild and thrive once again. Check […]
Save the date for Friday, July 7, because we are hosting the second Amazon Information Session to coincide with the First Friday Festival at Railroad Square! During this session, the Amazon Team will cover hiring prerequisites (application, background check, drug screening, etc.), provide an overview of benefits, and highlight the opportunities for growth within the […]
The Economic Vitality Leadership Council is responsible for quarterly meeting to increase the community’s competitiveness across the six economic development initiatives, provide advice upon implementing the strategic plan, encourage collaboration across all community sectors, and recommend improvements to improve competitiveness.
The Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) explores strategies for engaging and empowering MWSBEs to meet goals identified in the Economic Development Strategic Plan. This citizen-led committee provides critical input, oversight, and transparency toward OEV’s MWSBE goal attainment. It will form subcommittees and a task force to determine milestones and […]