When residents talk about what makes Tallahassee special, much of it is intangible. It’s the state capital, home to three major universities, and is a leading-edge, high-tech community pushing the envelope with world-class research, innovative start-ups, and a rapidly growing workforce. Companies are choosing to invest here and families want to lay their roots here.
STRONG RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Tallahassee is home to a thriving research community, anchored by world-class facilities located at Innovation Park, including the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and High-Performance Materials Institute. This research is more than theoretical – products are going to market and high-wage jobs are being created every year.
NATIONALLY RANKED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
In 2025, Tallahassee is the most educated city in Florida and the 22nd most educated city in the nation (WalletHub). The capital city is home to three major and nationally ranked universities, Florida A&M University, Florida State University, and Tallahassee State College.
HIGHLY TRAINED WORKFORCE
Tallahassee boasts a highly qualified workforce that takes full advantage of recent university graduates as well as skilled workers completing in-demand training programs. In 2021 the Tallahassee Talent Development Council was established with representatives from leading workforce and education entities in the Capital Region. The partners include the Chamber, Tallahassee State College, CareerSource Capital Region, Lively Technical College, Leon County Schools, The Office of Economic Vitality, and The Able Trust. The partners developed the TLH Regional Talent Plan. Through programs and initiatives like Skills-Based Hiring, North Florida Worlds of Work and Talent Pipeline Management Program, we are bringing employers and educators together to improve ‘talent supply chains’ by projecting talent needs and aligning them with education and workforce development systems.
ENTREPRENEURIAL/STARTUP COMMUNITY
Nurturing ideas into companies that create jobs and change the world is a priority for Tallahassee’s business community. From a high impact business incubator like IGNITE Tallahassee and co-working/entrepreneurial support at Domi Station to the FAMU Small Business Development Center (SBDC) which guides existing and new start-ups and the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship who cultivates and trains entrepreneurial leaders, a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is a vital part of our business DNA.
GLOBAL GATEWAY
The Tallahassee International Airport provides world-class aviation transportation services for business and leisure travelers. In 2024, the airport will open the doors to the International Processing Facility, a multi-year, $28 million project that will be a major economic driver for the entire region. Upon completion, Tallahassee will become Northwest Florida’s connection to global markets, further positioning itself as a competitive, innovative, and sustainable economic hub.
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
Our voice is louder when we speak together. The Tallahassee community thrives on partnership and collaboration. The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce works closely with the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce, Capital City Chamber of Commerce and the Network of Entrepreneurs & Business Advocates (NEBA) to advocate and advance policies that benefit our businesses and the economy.
