Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities, and within the state.
The awards program – now in its twelfth year – recognized the top 50 second-stage companies headquartered in Florida for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and broadening new industries throughout Florida. Since the first awards celebration in 2011, GrowFL has recognized 550 companies from throughout Florida with this prestigious award. With this year’s honorees, GrowFL has now recognized 600 companies throughout the state that are making a positive impact on the economy and the communities in which they live. Many of the past honorees have now grown their companies to stage 3 and stage 4 businesses employing more than 500. To qualify for the award, companies must be headquartered in Florida and have between 6 and 150 and revenue between $750,000 and $100 million. From 2018 through 2021, the 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees generated $1 billion in revenue and added 881 employees, reflecting a 96% increase in revenue and a 104% increase in jobs for the four-year period. That translates into a 24% average annual revenue growth and a 26% average annual growth in employees.
These companies projected continued growth in 2022, with a 40% revenue increase and a 20% growth in employees compared to 2021. If their projections hold, these companies will have generated $1.5 billion in revenue and added 1,233 employees over the last five years — a 174% increase in revenue and 146% increase in jobs since 2018.
“GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch was designed to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and to shine a spotlight on the most deserving companies,” said Jennifer Taylor, president, and CEO of GrowFL. “This year’s honoree span 21 different counties, represent 22 different industries and 50% of them are woman, veteran, or minority owned. This diverse group of honorees can only mean one thing – Florida is the place where entrepreneurs thrive!”
Honorees will be officially recognized at the 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Celebration on February 23, 2023, at the Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk, Orlando, FL. On average, a GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards celebration draws over 450 attendees which represent more than 120 different companies from across the state. Join top CEOs and business leaders from the state and celebrate with us! Tickets are on sale now.
The 12th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Celebration is presented by Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.