Competitive Florida

Competitive Florida Partnership

The Competitive Florida Partnership helps a community utilize its unique assets and challenges its leaders to set realistic goals to advance their economic development visions. A community that participates in this grant opportunity is committed to innovative strategies that promote partnerships, community design and a viable economy. The partnership establishes a network of vibrant communities and passionate leaders who gain ideas on how to reach their goals through the success and lessons learned from their peers.

We want to help you succeed!

Communities selected for the grant are considered a member of the Competitive Florida network. Our goal is to help you implement your vision for economic development and provide continued support.

Ways to Make Florida's Communities More Competitive

FloridaCommerce recognizes that not all community needs are the same and each journey will be different. For this reason, the Competitive Florida Partnership encourages participants to develop a plan that meets their needs and allows for flexibility to account for new opportunities that present themselves along the way.

Competitive Florida communities are strongly encouraged to prioritize:

1. Developing an overarching economic development organization and
2. Updating their local comprehensive plan to serve as a guide for economic development in the future.

FloridaCommerce advocates for a holistic approach to job creation that goes beyond recruitment of new businesses and industries. For this reason, consider the following components when determining what to include in your economic development vision and strategy:

1. Whole community approach to planning and implementation.
2. Retain current businesses and support expansion.
3. Attract new businesses and industries.
4. Build human capital and develop the workforce.
5. Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
6. Preserve sense of place.
7. Build community leadership.
8. Encourage commercial district revitalization.
9. Improve resiliency to disasters.
10. Provide quality education.
11. Increase the availability of affordable housing for the workforce.
12. Provide and promote recreational opportunities.
13. Ensure the availability of quality healthcare facilities.
14. Promote sustainable building and economic development practices.
15. Support neighborhood revitalization.

Additional Information

For more information, please contact Chris O'Kelley at 850-717-8506 or christopher.okelley@commerce.fl.gov.