SBA’s Microloan Program widened in Florida

The South Florida District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the agency’s Microloan Program is now available to small businesses throughout the state. The expansion comes because the lending territory of Black Business Investment Fund of Central Florida (BBIF), was increased. Prior to obtaining statewide micro lending status, BBIF previously provided microloans mainly through the North Florida District. The SBA's Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. [Source: Miami Herald]

» More about financing your business in Florida Small Business.

Why does NASA launch rockets from Cape Canaveral, Florida?

For over 60 years, NASA has been launching rockets from Cape Canaveral, Florida, but this has not always been the primary launch site for the United States. The weather does not always cooperate for rocket launches as more thunderstorms erupt in Florida per year than in any other state. [Source: AccuWeather]

On a mission to turn Florida retirees into entrepreneurs

Today, nearly a quarter of residents in the affluent city of Sarasota, on Florida’s southwestern coast, are 65 and older. The popular area’s rich cultural life and white sand beaches have long attracted retirees and tourists. But if Jean Cannon’s vision of Sarasota comes true, the area might become a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity. [Source: NextAvenue]

Florida ranks in bottom third of country for innovation, Bloomberg index shows

By at least one measure, Florida has a lot of work to do if it wants to join the ranks of innovation powerhouse states. The Sunshine State ranked 34th out of 50 in The Bloomberg U.S. Innovation Index. [Source: Miami Herald]

U.S. growth rate hits new low as migration to Sun Belt states like Florida continues

Annual Census Bureau data brought both good and bad news this year. The bad news: The nation has just registered a new low point in population growth since the Depression era. However, on a more positive note, population growth is returning to Sun Belt states as their economies revive post-recession. Report from Brookings, here.

See also:
» Population growth is back: See where Florida ranks:

Top 5 Most Populous States: 2016
Rank	State	2010	2015	2016
1	California	37,254,522	38,993,940	39,250,017
2	Texas	25,146,100	27,429,639	27,862,596
3	Florida	18,804,592	20,244,914	20,612,439
4	New York	19,378,110	19,747,183	19,745,289
5	Illinois	12,831,574	12,839,047	12,801,539
Source: US Census Bureau

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Amazon confirms plans to bring 1,500 jobs to new distribution center on Jacksonville's Northside [First Coast News]
The announcement by Amazon officials from their headquarters in Seattle that the company is planning to build an 800,000-square-foot distribution center on the Northside culminates years of secret negotiations between the city and state and the giant online merchandise company.

› Tampa Bay business people to watch in 2017 [Tampa Bay Times]
"Disruption" ballooned into an overly used word to describe business change. But looking ahead at 2017 and a clearly unorthodox Donald Trump presidency, it's the best single word to characterize what the Tampa Bay economy and its business leaders will likely confront.

› Middle Eastern restaurants are booming in Central Florida [Orlando Sentinel]
Middle Eastern cuisine in Central Florida is emerging from its ethnic roots into one of the faster-growing parts of the restaurant industry.

› Texting while driving could become primary offense in Florida [Fox 13]
Some Florida Lawmakers are pushing for stronger laws to limit texting and driving. Several bills are moving through the House and Senate to make it easier for law enforcement to stop distracted drivers.

Go to page 2 for more stories ...

› Horse racing, pari-mutuel operations face challenges [Ocala Star-Banner]
A few years ago, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association obtained a nonprofit thoroughbred racing permit with the idea of possibly running a short race meet in Ocala. Those plans have since changed as the industry's landscape continues to evolve.

› Baby boom: Sea turtles set new record for nesting on Pinellas beaches [Tampa Bay Times]
Two hurricanes didn't discourage sea turtles from nesting along Pinellas County's beaches this year. In fact, they set a new record for turtle nests, according to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

› Naples businesses ready for busy tourism week [WBBH]
This is one of the busiest weeks of the year for tourism in Naples, and after a slightly down December 2015, businesses are encouraged by what they've seen this year.

› Miami-based Ship Supply promotes chief financial officer to CEO [Florida Business Daily]
Ship Supply International said recently it appointed Chief Financial Officer Ares Michaelides to become CEO of the Miami-based logistics services company.