Register Today for These Upcoming Virtual Events

Dear Subscriber,

FEDC is proud to host three Professional Development virtual events over the next two months. We encourage you to register today for each of these relevant and informative webinars! See below for details and links to register.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Beth Cicchetti, CEcD, MEDP, at bkirkland@fedconline org or Jill Blackman at jblackman@fedconline.org.

Access to Capital through Florida's State Small Business Credit Initiative - May 8

This virtual event will focus on Florida's most widely used and effective access to capital programs offered through the US Small Business Administration and the US Treasury. Whether the more traditional SBA programs or the newer State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), you will gain new resources to assist business growth in your community. Panelists are Mark Kruse, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, First Florida Capital Finance Corporation, and Mason Alford, Director, Office of Small Business Innovation, FloridaCommerce.

GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Community Partner Program - May 15

It's Time to Nominate!

Help recognize Florida's top second-stage companies

It is that time of year again!

The 2024 Florida Companies to Watch nominations are open and we are looking

forward to receiving nominations from our community partners. GrowFL Florida

Companies to Watch recognizes growing second-stage companies headquartered in

Florida. Developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation, Companies to Watch is a

unique way to honor companies that demonstrate high performance in the

marketplace with innovative strategies and processes, making them worth

watching.

Since 2011, GrowFL has recognized more than 600 companies with this prestigious award who are making a positive impact on the economy and the communities in which they live. Many of the past honorees have grown their companies to stage 3 and stage 4 businesses employing more than 500. Know a business that deserves recognition? We want to recognize them! Join us on May 15th at 9:00 a.m. for our Community Partners Webinar and learn more about the Florida Companies to Watch recognition process.

What we'll discuss:

· GrowFL Mission

· Florida Companies to Watch History & Requirements

· Community Partner Involvement

· Timeline

· Questions

View the 2023 Florida Companies to Watch Honorees

Veterans Florida Skillbridge Program - June 19

The U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge Program enables active-duty servicemembers with commander approval to gain work experience through internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships with employers during their final six months of service. Military personnel of any rank and branch are eligible to participate in SkillBridge and maintain their DOD salary and benefits during the training period.

Veterans Florida, the state’s designated SkillBridge assistance organization, helps employers create qualified SkillBridge workforce training and matches transitioning servicemembers to their opportunities.

In 2021 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 435 creating the nation’s first statewide SkillBridge initiative and designating Veterans Florida as the state’s SkillBridge assistance organization.

About Veterans Florida

Veterans Florida is a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans and their families transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. Veterans Florida is also the state’s designated DOD SkillBridge assistance organization. Visit veteransflorida.org for more information.