Posted: January 16, 2023
According to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, if Florida were an independent nation, it would have the 15th largest economy in the world. In 2021, the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis continued to build upon Florida’s economic success through increasing the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to $74 million. The grants are designed to assist communities in funding workforce training and public infrastructure projects to support growth and employment throughout the state.
Governor DeSantis has presented rural and urban communities throughout Northwest Florida with $3.6 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund in 2021. These grants will be utilized to further the region’s cybersecurity, logistics and advanced manufacturing industries through the development of new workforce training programs and industrial sites.
Chipola College, in Marianna, received $354,000 through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to expand its cybersecurity program. Cybersecurity students wil have access to eight cybersecurity certifications that are transferable across many different industries and occupations, both in the public and private sectors. The funding will be used to support the cost of equipment, personnel, scholarships, training materials and support services.
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC), in Niceville, was awarded $2.8 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to develop a diesel mechanic technician training program. The grant award will support NWFSC’s existing Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) program. Training will be offered in partnership with Cummins and will assist students in developing skills that are in demand, resulting in multiple industry-recognized credentials.
The Walton County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) received $500,000 through the Job Growth Grant Fund to complete the Northwest Florida Commerce Park at Woodlawn. The grant will be used for the construction of roads, sewer and water infrastructure improvements at the industrial park. As a result, Walton County is expected to support 1,000 jobs in various industries through this investment and others.
The Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis’s commitment to workforce and economic development will continue to spur economic growth in Northwest Florida and throughout the state for years to come. For more information on the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, click here.
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the Florida Panhandle. The organization is an investor‐supported 501(c)(6) not for profit corporation created to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and collaborate to improve regional competitiveness.
