Advancing Florida's Growth Economy with Holland & Knight

Co-Title Sponsor of the 16th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Gala

GrowFL is excited to welcome Holland & Knight as a Co-Title Sponsor of the 16th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Gala, taking place on Friday, February 26, 2027, at Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk Orlando. The partnership brings together two organizations committed to helping Florida's second-stage companies navigate growth, create jobs, strengthen communities, and build lasting economic impact across the state.

This year's gala will bring together CEOs, entrepreneurs, trusted advisors, business leaders, and supporters from across Florida to celebrate the 50 Honorees of the 16th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch program. More than an awards event, the evening will recognize the leaders and companies creating jobs, expanding opportunity, and shaping Florida's economic future.

Holland & Knight works with businesses across a wide range of industries as they navigate the legal, strategic, and operational decisions that accompany growth. That experience makes the firm a natural partner in GrowFL's work to support Florida's second-stage companies and recognize the entrepreneurs building the state's economic future.

To explore what leaders should prepare for as their companies scale, we asked Vince Cordo, Partner at Holland & Knight, to share the decisions that can strengthen a business today and position it for future investment, acquisition, or long-term growth.

Leadership Insight from Vince Cordo

What Helps Growth Companies Build a Foundation for Long-Term Success?

Growth can transform a company faster than its internal structure can keep up. Hiring accelerates, partnerships multiply, markets expand, and new investors may enter the conversation. Leaders who once made decisions informally must suddenly address governance, contracts, intellectual property, risk, and long-term ownership with far greater discipline.

As growth accelerates, the systems, structures, and planning that once supported the business may no longer be sufficient.

What was once a straightforward business can quickly become a far more complex organization, requiring leaders to make decisions with greater structure and foresight.

Questions that didn't exist a few years ago now demand answers:

Many entrepreneurs build successful companies through vision, determination, and execution. However, as organizations enter a rapid-growth phase, strategic planning and strong legal foundations often become critical drivers of sustainable success.

The Growth Challenge Many Companies Don't Anticipate

One of the biggest challenges growth-stage companies face is that success often creates complexity faster than leaders expect.

"Many entrepreneurs are prepared for growth. What they don't always anticipate is how quickly growth changes the legal, operational, and strategic demands on the business. The decisions that worked when a company had 20 employees may not be the same decisions needed when it reaches 100."

Growth creates opportunity, but it also introduces new responsibilities. Leaders who proactively address organizational, operational, and governance challenges often position themselves to capitalize on future opportunities with greater confidence.

Why Strategic Planning Matters

As companies scale, opportunities and risks often arrive at the same time. Establishing strong governance, clear contracts, intellectual property protections, and a disciplined planning process before problems emerge allows leaders to pursue growth without constantly shifting into crisis mode.

"The most successful growth companies are proactive rather than reactive. They invest early in strong governance, sound contracts, intellectual property protection, and strategic planning so they can pursue opportunities with confidence."

Planning ahead allows leadership teams to focus on execution while remaining prepared for future challenges and opportunities.

What Separates Companies That Scale from Those That Stall

Revenue growth alone does not determine whether a company can scale. Sustainable growth depends on leaders who build capable teams, establish repeatable processes, and make decisions with the company's long-term value in mind.

"The companies that scale successfully have leaders who are willing to make decisions based on long-term value creation rather than short-term gains. They build strong teams, establish clear processes, and create a foundation that supports future growth."

The businesses that continue to grow are often those that combine entrepreneurial vision with disciplined planning and sound decision-making.

Managing Risk While Growing

Growing businesses frequently focus on expansion while underestimating the importance of risk management.

"Risk management isn't about slowing growth. It's about creating the structure that allows a company to grow responsibly and seize opportunities when they arise. The goal is to help leaders move forward with greater clarity and confidence."

A strategic approach to governance, compliance, and legal planning provides businesses with the resilience needed to navigate growth successfully.

Preparing for Investment, Acquisition, or Exit

Whether a company seeks investment, explores acquisitions, or plans for a future transition, preparation matters.

"Enterprise value is built long before a transaction occurs. Companies that maintain strong governance, organize their operations, and address legal issues proactively are often in a much stronger position when opportunities emerge."

The strongest growth companies prepare for future opportunities before those opportunities appear. By strengthening governance, organizing operations, protecting key assets, and addressing legal risks early, leaders can build enterprise value while keeping the business ready for investment, acquisition, or transition.

Why Holland & Knight Supports GrowFL

"Florida's second-stage companies are a driving force behind job creation, innovation, and economic growth throughout our state. GrowFL provides entrepreneurs with valuable resources, peer connections, and practical guidance that help businesses scale successfully. Holland & Knight is proud to support that mission and celebrate the remarkable companies being recognized this year."

— Vince Cordo

Join Us in Orlando on February 26

Join GrowFL, Holland & Knight, and business leaders from across Florida on Friday, February 26, 2027, at Hard Rock Live at Universal CityWalk Orlando. Together, we will celebrate the 50 Honorees of the 16th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Gala and the second-stage companies shaping Florida's economic future.

Join fellow CEOs, entrepreneurs, trusted advisors, and community leaders as we recognize Florida's outstanding second-stage companies and celebrate the impact they are making throughout the state.

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Be part of Florida's premier celebration of second-stage business success.

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