Outstanding leadership, culture and growth make these second-stage businesses stand-out
Young Innovators Academy is pleased to be among the top 50 second-stage companies in Florida selected as a 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees, a statewide awards program that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards celebration is brought to you by Duke Energy and Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.
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 – thus deeming them worth watching.
71 finalists were announced earlier this year, and the 50 honorees were selected after a final round of judging by an esteemed panel of past Honorees, economic development leaders and corporate partners of GrowFL. Companies were judged on a number of criteria including growth in number of employees; impact of the business in the job market; increase in sales and/or unit volume; current and past financial reports; innovativeness of the product or service; response to adversity; and contributions to aid community-oriented projects.
“GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch was designed to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and to shine a spotlight on the deserving second-stage businesses in our state,” said Jennifer Taylor, president, and CEO of GrowFL. “Second-stage companies are the lifeblood of our economy, creating jobs and fueling prosperity. This diverse group, spanning 20 different counties, representing 18 different industries and 32% of them being woman, veteran, or minority owned, proves Florida is a place where entrepreneurs can thrive. We look forward to celebrating their success for years to come.”
“Students entering the workforce will have to be ready for a constantly evolving job market. They will have to be self-directed, creative and independent. The Young Innovators curriculum taps into a child’s natural abilities as an innovator to preserve the creative confidence of the early years.
As a company built for educators by educators, we provide childcare professionals with career and ownership opportunities to give women in the industry the respect they deserve.”
Marnie Forestieri -CEO Young Innovators Academy
Companies named to the list will be officially recognized at the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Celebration on February 15, 2024, at the Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk, Orlando, FL. Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://growfl.com/about-growfl-flctw/.
