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Florida Business Insights |
Florida Business Insights, the landmark partnership between the Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI), Enterprise Florida (EFI), the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) and Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI) is a pilot program developed to address the needs of Florida's existing businesses. Challenge To accomplish its mission of helping further diversify Florida's economy, various agencies and organizations occupy the "problem space" of economic development with the shared mission of working with existing state businesses to help them grow, and with out-of-state businesses to assist with relocation or expansion in the state. In analyzing this approach, it has been determined that at the national level, existing businesses create between 40 percent and 80 percent of all new jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a majority of new jobs in Florida are created by existing businesses. Many local economic development and workforce organizations in Florida have developed programs to identify and address the needs of existing businesses. However, the depth of focus and information resources for these programs vary throughout the state. Some local organizations recognize existing businesses through annual industry appreciation activities, while others have more comprehensive outreach programs. Business groups throughout the state conduct a variety of surveys of existing businesses, leading to uncoordinated and duplicative efforts. The conclusion: while there is support for existing businesses in Florida, it can be enhanced at the state level.
Solution EFI worked with the Agency for Workforce Innovation, the Florida Economic Development Council and Workforce Florida to develop the concept of a partnership that demonstrates Florida's support of its existing business community and the value of a coordinated effort to address its needs. Capitalizing on the skills, expertise and programs of each partner, the partnership plans to implement a pilot program to support existing business. The program will build support and involve local economic development organizations and regional workforce boards. The pilot program, which will be implemented by March 1, 2005, will address business retention needs in up to 20 counties (which will be chosen after the survey process is in place) to demonstrate the advantages of coordinated state and local efforts. A steering committee of partner designees will select a common survey instrument to gather comprehensive information about Florida businesses and the support they need to thrive and grow. The group will also provide training on interview techniques and software to facilitate the survey.
Impact With its regional and statewide application, the partnership's program offers economic development and workforce leaders a low-cost way to test the value of using comparative data to identify key issues facing Florida business community. The statewide business information will be made available to local organizations at no extra investment. Implementation of the pilot project will take place from March 1 through Dec. 31, 2005. During that time, the partners will promote the program's value to Florida's business community. Partners also will be engaged in actively monitoring and troubleshooting elements of the survey and overall program. A decision about statewide implementation of the program will be based on the partners' thorough evaluation at the end of the year.
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The Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) is the state's lead workforce agency and directly administers the state's Labor Market Statistics unit, Unemployment Compensation and various workforce development programs. The agency also serves as the fiscal and administrative agent for the Florida Partnership for School Readiness. Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida's business and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for the State of Florida. Headquartered in Orlando, EFI's mission is to create and retain quality jobs and increase economic opportunities for Floridians by supporting strong and growing businesses and positioning Florida as a globally competitive business location. In pursuit of its mission, EFI works closely with a statewide network of economic development partners and is funded both by the State. The Florida Economic Development Council, Inc. (FEDC) is a not-for-profit association of more than 500 professional economic developers and related industry representatives working as a unified voice to advance economic development in Florida. The FEDC focuses on enhancing the professionalism of its members through education, interaction and the exchange of information with business, government and other appropriate organizations. Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI) is the state's
chief workforce policy organization and principal architect
in the efforts
to meet the current and future workforce needs and challenges
of Florida's businesses and citizens. WFI is a proud partner,
along with AWI, in Employ Florida - the state's affiliate
network of 24 business-led regional workforce boards and almost
100
one-stop centers that provide workforce services and resources
throughout Florida. |
