News & Media Center

Bear General Contractors has joined FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance as a private-sector investor. FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance exists to grow the local economy by encouraging companies to relocate to the Pensacola area and, helping local companies grow and by encouraging entrepreneurship. Bear joins other private-sector investors including Baptist Hospital, Greenhut Construction, and Board members including … Read more

Since the 1700s, the Pensacola region has boasted one of the best business climates in the Southeast because of its trade and commerce significance. Major industries such as aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing and professional services benefit from the stable economy and low cost of doing business. Read the full story here.

The people of the Caribbean and Africa that arrived on Pensacola’s shores with European settlers played an outsized role in shaping our area’s culture. For instance, Esteban the Moor — read about him here.    

After more than 11 years leading the charge of economic development with Greater Pensacola Chamber and FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, Scott Luth announced he is stepping down as CEO. Luth told the board of directors he is ready for a new challenge.  “When I first came to Pensacola, I saw a lot of opportunity to … Read more

Big Tech has laid off unprecedented numbers of IT professionals. But Navy Federal Credit Union has hundreds of jobs waiting on them. Why is Pensacola the place to be? U.S. News & World Report ranks Pensacola as: #44 in Best Places to Live #10 in Best Places to Retire #6 in Best Places to Live … Read more

“The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition broke ground today on a new $30 million project in downtown Pensacola, setting up the next chapter in the research facility’s journey of innovation and collaboration.  The IHMC Healthspan, Resilience and Performance complex will be a leading-edge lab and office building that will create a research hub, … Read more

Five Programs Available to Expand Business Development and Continue Florida’s Economic Growth The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced that $142 million in new capital is available for small businesses and startups through Florida’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). SSBCI, administered by DEO in partnership with Enterprise Florida, Inc., has five programs to … Read more

CO:LAB, an entrepreneurial development center created by a partnership between FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance and Pensacola State College, is roaring back to life after being put on pause by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Sally. In January of 2020, before the pandemic hit, CO:LAB was buzzing at 86 percent occupancy with 19 companies representing 59 … Read more

Pensacola, Fla. – LIFT, the Detroit-based, Department of Defense national manufacturing innovation institute, and Pensacola State College have announced a partnership to provide free training to transitioning service members, National Guard, Army Reserves, and their families for careers in advanced manufacturing through LIFT’s Operation Next initiative. The program has recently expanded to serve veterans as … Read more

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance is pleased to welcome new Pensacola City Council members Allison Patton and Charles Bare to PEDC, the Pensacola-Escambia Promotion & Development Commission. The PEDC is established by a special act of the State of Florida Legislature to promote economic development interests, such as growing small businesses, supporting existing companies, and attracting … Read more