Judging Process

The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch program identifies and honors second-stage companies in the state that are poised for continued growth and make a positive impact. Here’s a breakdown of the judging process and criteria:
Two-round process:
Round 1: All applications are reviewed for eligibility and fit the program’s goals. This round focuses on preliminary review and analysis for companies that indicate potential for future growth, innovative practices, and community involvement.
Round 2 (Finalists only): Companies that move forward undergo a more in-depth evaluation.  The essay questions are critical to the second round of judging.  The process includes:
Due diligence: A deeper dive into the company’s financials and operations.
Panel review: A select group of judges comprised of economic development, education, and past honorees and entrepreneurial leaders in Florida assess the companies.
Criteria for selection:
Companies are evaluated on a variety of factors that demonstrate their potential for future success and positive influence:
  1. Demonstrated Growth: Has the company grown steadily in terms of employee counts and revenues? Negative or sluggish growth does not immediately disqualify a company, but the explanation section will be considered.
  2. Future Growth:
    1. Does the company project an increase in employees and revenue for 2024?
    2. What is spurring this growth? This will be described in the competitive edge section of the application.
  3. Other Strengths: Does the company possess qualities that point to being a philanthropic and outstanding employer?