GrowFL seeking applications for 'Florida Companies to Watch'

GrowFL, Florida’s leading organization in support of second-stage growth companies, will be accepting applications for its annual Florida Companies to Watch®awards program until May 29th. The event - now in its fifth year - honors 50 select second-stage companies throughout the state for developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and creating new industries throughout Florida.
To be considered for selection as one of the Florida Companies to Watch, the enterprise must meet the following for the year ending 2014:

• Privately held (not publicly traded and not a subsidiary or division of another company)
• Be a commercial enterprise, not a nonprofit
• Moved past the startup stage
• Face issues of growth, not survival.
• Employ 6 to 150 full-time equivalent W-2 employees, including the owner
• Earn between $750,000 and $100 million in annual revenue or working capital in place from investors or grants
• Headquartered in Florida.
• Has not won this award in the past
• Demonstrate the intent and capacity to grow based on evidence such as:
  - Employee or sales growth
  - Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership
  - Sustainable competitive advantage
  - Other notable factors that showcase the company's success

GrowFL is a statewide economic development organization certified by the National Center for Economic Gardening through the Edward Lowe Foundation, a national, nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurship through research, recognition and educational programs. A typical Florida Companies to Watch class is comprised of businesses who collectively gross nearly $400 million in annual revenue, add more than 400 new jobs per year, average a 30% increase in earnings and experience more than 25% growth in employees annually.
Florida Companies to Watch winners do not simply make it onto a list. They become part of a cohort of second-stage businesses known for their distinguished leadership, innovation and impact.

Honorees receive the following:

• Special recognition at the Florida Companies to Watch awards ceremony on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Hard Rock Live!, CityWalk, Orlando (attended by business and government leaders from across the state)
• Two (2) complimentary tickets to the awards ceremony (extra seats or tables are available for purchase)
• Trophy inscribed with company name
• Increased exposure to the media
• Graphic announcing each company as an award winner (to be used on company website or in marketing materials)
• Recognition in Florida Trend and I4 Business magazines
• Invitation to participate in future Florida Companies to Watch events, including a leaders retreat specifically designed for Companies to Watch award recipients

The 2015 Florida Companies to Watch awards will be held on Thursday, November 5th at the Hard Rock Live, CityWalk Orlando. For more information or to apply, please visit GrowFL.com.

About GrowFL

GrowFL is an economic development program focused on assisting second-stage growth companies prosper in the state of Florida.  By providing strategies, resources and support to second-stage companies for next level growth through Strategic Research, Peer Learning and Leadership Development, GrowFL helps companies overcome obstacles to growth and leads them towards prosperity. Based on the philosophy of Economic Gardening®—to grow existing businesses in a community, region or state—GrowFL, the Florida Economic Gardening Institute, is a critical component to the state’s economic development strategy and Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.  GrowFL is a statewide economic development organization certified by the National Center for Economic Gardening through the Edward Lowe Foundation.  GrowFL has assisted more than 800 companies through the Strategic Research and CEO Roundtable programs and recognized 200 successful entrepreneurs through the annual awards program, Florida Companies to Watch.  Learn more at GrowFL.com.

About Edward Lowe Foundation

Established in 1985, the Edward Lowe Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurship through research, recognition and educational programs, which are delivered through entrepreneur support organizations. The foundation focuses on second-stage companies — those that have moved beyond the startup phase and seek significant, steady growth. For more information, visit www.edwardlowe.org