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. For years, the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality has been our community’s keystone economic development organization, moving the needle for business growth in Tallahassee. Companies are choosing to invest here and families want to lay their roots here.
THRIVING BUSINESS COMMUNITY
From the world’s leader in energy-efficient compressors to a regional powerhouse in Laserfiche technology and award-winning custom-apparel suppliers, Tallahassee is home to some economic powerhouses. But the local businesses of all sizes are esteemed here, as they work together to grow their companies – and a stronger community.
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.
MOST EDUCATED CITY
In 2019, Tallahassee is the most educated city in Florida and the 15th 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 Community 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. Through the Chamber’s 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. We work alongside partners like CareerSource Capital Region to close the skills gap and ensure that our workforce is ready for the next challenge.
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.
ENTREPRENEURIAL/STARTUP COMMUNITY
Nurturing ideas into companies that create jobs and change the world is a priority for Tallahassee’s business community. From business incubators like 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.
