Stories

Tallahassee Among Top 15 Metros Nationally for Black-Owned Businesses  

March 5, 2025

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 […]

Reflecting on a Successful 2024 and Looking Ahead to 2025

December 20, 2024

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 […]

Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality Announces 32nd Annual Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Schedule and Award Recipients

September 24, 2024

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) is proud to announce the schedule of events and award recipients for the 32nd Annual Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, taking place October 7–11, 2024. This weeklong celebration highlights the contributions of minority-owned businesses and fosters connections between local entrepreneurs, government, and industry leaders.  This […]

MWSBE Academies: Rise & Thrive Business Series

August 6, 2024

MWSBE Academies are a series of trainings and workshops for local businesses. They are a valuable resource for firms that want to bolster their business profile and tackle larger projects with confidence. Participating companies have the opportunity to network with other businesses, learn about new opportunities, and gain the skills & knowledge they need to […]

TC Bakery’s Historic Expansion at Tallahassee International Airport 

November 22, 2023

A local Tallahassee bakery made history as the first black, woman-owned bakery in the Tallahassee International Airport. TC Bakery, led by Jennifer Young, began a groundbreaking partnership with Tallahassee International Airport to achieve this historic accomplishment, offering insights into the power of seizing opportunities in the pursuit of success.   When Tailwind Hospitality, Inc., an airport concessions company, extended an invitation for local businesses to […]

OEV Announces 31st Annual Big Bend MED Week Schedule of Events, Award Recipients

September 29, 2023

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality today announced the events lineup for the 30th Anniversary Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.

Empowering Excellence: Unveiling the 2023 MWSBE Academy Schedule

May 6, 2023

MWSBE Academies are a series of trainings and workshops for local businesses. They are a valuable resource for firms that want to bolster their business profile and tackle larger projects with confidence. Participating companies have the opportunity to network with other businesses, learn about new opportunities, and gain the skills & knowledge they need to […]

OEV Announces 30th Annual Big Bend MED Week Schedule of EVENTS, Award Recipients

October 17, 2022

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality today announced the events lineup for the 30th Anniversary Big Bend Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week.

MWSBE Spotlight: Bannerman Landscape

August 23, 2022

Bannerman Landscape is a MWSBE Certified, women-owned business founded by Linda Hunkiar in 2008. They have over 25 years of industry experience in both commercial and residential landscaping. Their certified professional staff—including a FNGLA Certified Horticulturist; Florida Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector; FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician; and ISA Certified Arborist—ensure all projects meet the […]

Upcoming Events
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August 20, 2025

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.

August 20, 2025

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 […]