Authored by: John Hartnett, Vice President of Global Business Development, Endoscopy Replacement Parts, Inc.
Small businesses matter to Florida’s future, and it’s no surprise why. More than 2 million small businesses call Florida home. They create three out of four new jobs in Florida, all while employing more than 3 million Floridians. Between now and 2030, Florida will need to create 2 million net new jobs. According to TheFloridaScorecard.org, Alachua County alone will need to create more than 24,000 net new jobs by 2030.
Florida has some real opportunities for growth, particularly in manufacturing. Research found in the Florida Chamber Foundation’s recently released Florida Jobs 2030 Report shows that today, more than 19,500 manufacturing companies call Florida home and employ more than 360,000 Floridians. And did you know, more than 95 percent of all of Florida’s exporters are small businesses?
Florida’s future needs small businesses and it will continue to require growth in industries like manufacturing, but will our state’s workforce be prepared? Our state must be able to train a workforce for the jobs of the future, many of which don’t yet exist. Between now and 2021, Florida’s manufacturing industry will see a 4 percent growth and must be ready to address the stigmas and perceptions that are keeping young people away from manufacturing.
Endoscopy Replacement Parts, Inc. is a proud recipient of the Small Business Administration’s Exporter of the Year Award as well as the Manufacturer of the Year Award. And as we celebrate National Small Business Week, we recognize that these challenges are actually important opportunities for growth, diversification and success. But to get there, the input of Florida’s businesses— both large and small— are crucial. This is one reason the Florida Chamber Foundation has traveled to 58 counties and engaged more than 7,800 Floridians through Florida 2030 Town Halls to learn how we can secure our state’s future in 2030 and beyond.
As our state continues to grow, addresses challenges and takes advantage of economic opportunities, can your business afford not to share your thoughts on the future of our state? Click here to have your voice heard.