UWF receives approval for $3.3 million Triumph grant

From LocalPulse.com

The University of West Florida’s proposal for a new research program known as Water and Vessel Engineering sailed through the provisional approval, subject to negotiating a term sheet and legal contract, from the Triumph Gulf Coast board of directors. UWF’s Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering requested $3,315,600 to establish WAVE and partner with New York Yacht Club American Magic sail racing team, which recently permanently relocated to the Port of Pensacola, to expand research and development for watercraft and vessel manufacturing.

“The collaboration between UWF and American Magic will be transformative to economic development and research innovation in downtown Pensacola,” said Dr. Michael Reynolds, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. “We are excited to build a new partnership at the Port of Pensacola and greatly look forward to working with American Magic. UWF students will have new opportunities to work alongside world class sailing experts, gaining valuable experience and a new composite materials certification...”

UWF's Haas Center says OLF-8 could have $1 billion consequences

From WUWF.org

The debate over what to do with more than 500 acres of public land known as OLF-8 has long been a source of controversy in Escambia County. Now, as commissioners consider selling the entire parcel to a private developer, an economic analysis has raised the stakes—to the tune of $1 billion.

The analysis, conducted by the Haas Center at the University of West Florida at the request of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, explored two development options for a 46-acre portion of the 530-acre OLF-8 site: one focused on light industrial development and a second focused on residential and retail mixed-use...

Pensacola playing major role in Wind Energy

With GE’s announcement last year that they are investing $20 million in nacelle manufacturing facilities in Pensacola to expand production capacity and bring new products to market, suppliers BlueWind Technology and Jupiter Bach are positioning themselves to deliver.

Jupiter Bach North America recently held a groundbreaking ceremony where company leadership announced they’re adding new jobs and investing in a new manufacturing facility in Pensacola.

Jupiter Bach has celebrated 20 years of wind turbine business with GE and are leaning in to GE’s investment in Pensacola.

The expansion will create 100 more jobs and a brand new 21,000 square-foot facility. The new building will be located in Ellyson Industrial Park off Scenic Highway and house Jupiter Bach’s manufacturing operation for nacelles and spinner covers for wind turbines. Plant Manager Sean Guidry said the company is investing nearly $6 million in...

Pensacola International Airport receives $4 million grant from FAA

From WEAR TV-3

Pensacola International Airport is receiving a $4 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Terminal Program (ATP).

This is the first time the Pensacola airport has been awarded funds through the initiative, which aims to modernize airport terminals nationwide.

"The grant will play a pivotal role in the ongoing Terminal Expansion and Modernization Program, an effort to meet the increasing demands of the region’s growing air travel market while improving overall passenger experience..."

Welcome to CO:LAB!

Please help us welcome our new Office Manager, Annie Rose, to CO:LAB! A Pensacola native, Annie brings a wealth of entrepreneurial experience to CO:LAB and a burning desire to see Pensacola grow.

An entrepreneur herself, Annie has owned her own businesses and has worked to help launch other business and non-profits. She’s also been heavily involved in the community — currently a member of Leadership Pensacola 2025 and Pensacola Young Professionals.

With a background in everything from marketing to office management, we’re excited to watch her help grow CO:LAB and continue to promote its relevance in the community. 

“What sold me on CO:LAB was working with small businesses and helping them grow. My dream for CO:LAB is to see more integration with the local colleges and universities and to develop building and program upgrades like you’d find in bigger markets. I’d also like to bridge the gap with the arts and creative industry and see a larger presence of that sector here.” ~Annie Rose

A Note From FloridaWest

Community Leaders & Friends of FloridaWest,

I hope this fall season finds you doing well and that each of your business’s are exceeding expectations.

I want to give a big congratulations to Jupiter Bach on their recent expansion announcement and the start of their new facility. It is wonderful to see Jupiter Bach continue to grow in Escambia County. Their strategic business partnership with GE Vernova onshore wind has helped Jupiter Bach create new jobs in the renewable energy sector. I want to thank Danita Andrews, FloridaWest Chief Business Development Officer for her continued hard work and support of Jupiter Bach’s recent expansion.

At FloridaWest we are continuing to enjoy a strong pipeline of new and expanding company projects. This robust activity is leading to industry announcements each quarter. In addition, our CO:Lab facility continues to enjoy strong growth in space requirements for our growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. CO:Lab continues to help companies that are in the early stages of developing and launching and has a fantastic track record of success. I feel we are extremely fortunate to have someone as talented and qualified as Patrick Rooney leading our efforts in the entrepreneurial space.

Thank you for your continued support and investment in FloridaWest EDA. If I can be of assistance to you or you want to become further engaged in our economic development efforts, please reach out to me.

Sincerely, 

Rick Byars

Interim CEO

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance

RFP: Bookkeeping

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is accepting proposals from bookkeeping or accounting firms to provide accounting services and consultation to our organization. Deadline for Proposals: Nov. 23, 2024 at 11 p.m.

Taco Thursday at CO:LAB Pensacola

CO:LAB hosts Taco Thursday🌮 for its Resident Entrepreneurs the last Thursday of every month! 

Taco Thursday is all about enjoying scrumptious tacos, learning, sharing best practices and encouraging each other. 

Guests are welcome, just email us for reservations as seating is limited. 

1 Million Cups at CO:LAB Pensacola

1 Million Cups ☕ is your monthly opportunity to get together with other entrepreneurs and talk shop. 

You'll hear local entrepreneurs introduce their businesses and discuss your own small business with other like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators over coffee and conversation. 

We'll have the coffee ready, you bring the ideas!

The first Wednesday of every month, 9:00 a.m. at CO:LAB.

Story ideas?



If you have an idea for an article or would like to have an event included in this newsletter, please email us!