Pensacola may be known for its sugar-white beaches, but it’s also gaining national attention for its business growth and innovation. Ranked in Resonance Consultancy’s 2025 list of America’s 100 Best Cities, Pensacola is one of the smallest cities to make the cut—recognized for its historic charm, vibrant coastal lifestyle and thriving industries. With more than … Read more
Did you know that FloridaWest launched CO:LAB in 2008 to fuel startups in Pensacola? Mentors and leaders at Co:Lab share their experiences and guide entrepreneurs as they launch their businesses. The CO:LAB facility offers office space and equipment, community with other entrepreneurs, workshops and more. Click here to read more
Foreign Trade Zone No. 249, serving Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, is a key asset for businesses involved in international trade, logistics and manufacturing. Administered by the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion and Development Commission with support from FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, FTZ 249 helps companies reduce costs, improve cash flow and boost global competitiveness. Located in … Read more
Exciting news at CO:LAB! Please join us in welcoming Tocaro Blue to our growing community of innovators and changemakers! Tocaro Blue is revolutionizing marine navigation and waterway safety through cutting-edge AI marine Radar. Their intelligent solutions make using your marine Radar for collision avoidance simple and intuitive, whether you’re a professional mariner or weekend boater! CO:LAB will house Tocaro … Read more
On April 28, employees from Jupiter Bach and GE Vernova traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the American Clean Power Association’s Clean Power on the Hill event. The advocacy day brought together clean energy workers and industry leaders from across the country to meet with lawmakers and highlight the critical role renewable energy plays in local … Read more
GE Vernova recently completed a significant $70 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Escambia County, Florida, just outside of the City of Pensacola. This investment reflects the company’s continued confidence in the region and its commitment to strengthening U.S.-based manufacturing for the clean energy sector. The expansion comes at a pivotal moment, as evolving federal policies … Read more
By Chris Platé, CEO, FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance Over the past decade, a $5.75 million cumulative investment by the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners to PEDC has generated more than $31.3 million in new gross ad valorem tax revenue, which is a 444% Return on Investment (ROI). In addition, the investment has yielded a Compound … Read more
Pensacola’s GE Vernova is equipping wind farms in Texas with more than 100 turbines! GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) announced that it has entered into an agreement with RWE to provide 109 of its 2.8 MW–127m* onshore wind turbines to power the Honey Mesquite wind farm in Glasscock County, Texas and repower the Forest Creek … Read more
Chris Platé, FloridaWest CEO
One in five of children have dyslexia, the number one learning disability in the nation. One CO:LAB company is making strides giving to give those kids a chance. Key Tutoring, an emerging educational service in Pensacola, is experiencing significant growth at CO:LAB, the business incubator that supports startups and entrepreneurs in Northwest Florida. The company, … Read more
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