UWF Center for Cybersecurity Awarded $1.3 Million

Contract From CISA to Expand Cybersecurity Training

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) awarded the UWF Center for Cybersecurity $1.3 million to further expand the cyber career pathways training through the CyberSkills2Work Program. The Center will partner with Dakota State University to offer training pathways focused on Defensive Cybersecurity, Critical Infrastructure Security, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Cybersecurity.

The training prepares those interested in launching or advancing cybersecurity careers, with an emphasis on veterans, transitioning military, first responders, military spouses, women, underrepresented minorities, and state and local government personnel.

FloridaWest has been helping recruit cybersecurity talent and companies through CyberCoast Florida. Find out more in the link below.

Photo courtesy of the Executive Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

Escambia County receives $495k from Governor Desantis

As part of a $21 million investment to date in Florida's military communities, Governor DeSantis awarded another $7 million among 8 locations. The Defense Infrastructure Grant Program supports local infrastructure projects that make a positive impact on the military value of installations within Florida by addressing encroachment, transportation and access, housing, utilities, communications, environment and security needs. Funds are used for projects that benefit local communities and military installations.

Escambia County received $495,000 "to continue property/easement acquisition in support of density reduction and encroachment protection efforts in the vicinity of Naval Air Station Pensacola and Corry Station."

Pensacola #6 for young business owners

Simply Business, an online insurance marketplace, ranked Pensacola #6 among mid-sized cities for young business owners. In fact, the article states 37 percent of business owners in Pensacola are younger than 40 years old.

Emily Hopper, a resident entrepreneur at FloridaWest's CO:LAB business incubator, was recently interviewed by WEAR TV-3 ABC after the study was published. She said she left the corporate world to chase her dreams and that led to founding two businesses. Now she's one of the newest resident entrepreneurs at CO:LAB, getting help as she launches her digital marketing agency, Dream Agency.

"CO:LAB is an incredible space with plenty of resources to help entrepreneurs reach their next level. I look forward to joining the ambitious community of like-minded business owners, receiving elite coaching and mentorship, and ultimately taking my business to new heights." ~ Emily Hopper

Co-Founders Emily Hopper and Emily Saler

December Business Development Update

The December 2024 Business Development update is now available. 

Highlights

• Active Projects 31
• Active Project Site Visits 5
• Existing Industry Visits 19
• Response Proposals 5

2024-2029 Built to Grow 5-year jobs goal: 3,000



Built to Grow Projects Announced

• 261 Direct Manufacturing Jobs
• $34.1 M Capital Investment,
• $70,538 Avg. Annual Wage
• $12,532,356 New Annual Payroll



Results in an additional 57 Indirect Jobs and 132 Induced Jobs,

which yields a total of $136,097,674 in annual sales/output and $23,498,115 in annual compensation.

A Note From FloridaWest

Community Leaders & Friends of FloridaWest,

I am honored to join the FloridaWest EDA team as the new CEO and even more thrilled to become a part of this remarkable community. Pensacola and Escambia County are brimming with opportunities and assets that make this region a hub for economic development, innovation and growth.

From the thriving industries already established here to the untapped potential awaiting us, the opportunities to make a meaningful impact are abundant. I am deeply impressed by the collaborative spirit and dedication of our community to building a strong, sustainable and prosperous future.

As I step into this role, my commitment is clear: to work aggressively in support of our existing industries while also attracting new businesses and creating quality jobs for our community.

Our strategy is to recruit precision manufacturing that will be anchored in the aerospace sector, the cyber/tech sectors and life sciences/medical device sectors. Together, we will focus on leveraging our strategic advantages, fostering innovation, and ensuring that Escambia County is the destination for business in the Florida Panhandle.

I am excited about the road ahead and the incredible work we will do together to elevate Pensacola and Escambia County as a premier location for economic development. Thank you for the warm welcome and for your continued support of FloridaWest EDA.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can assist you or if you’d like to become more involved in our initiatives.

Here’s to a thriving future for our community!

Sincerely, 

Chris Platé

Chief Executive Officer

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance

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!