The GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Leadership Institute, themed Resilient by Design: The Second-stage Growth Imperative, is an exclusive program tailored for leaders of Florida’s high-growth, second-stage companies. This year’s institute recognizes that sustained success in the dynamic business landscape of Florida demands more than just growth; it requires resilience woven into the very fabric of an organization. Second-stage companies, having navigated the initial startup phase, face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. They’re no longer in the nascent stage, but they’re also not yet large enterprises with established systems. This “middle ground” presents both vulnerabilities and immense potential.
Resilient by Design underscores the proactive approach these leaders must adopt. It’s not about reacting to challenges but about anticipating them and building organizational structures, cultures, and strategies that can withstand and even thrive amidst disruption. The institute will equip attendees with the tools, frameworks, and peer insights necessary to cultivate this resilience. It emphasizes that resilience is not a static quality but an ongoing process of adaptation, innovation, and strategic foresight.
The institute will feature a blend of expert presentations, interactive workshops, peer-to-peer learning sessions, and real-world case studies from successful second-stage companies. Leaders will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their company’s ability to navigate economic fluctuations, technological disruptions, competitive pressures, and internal growing pains, ensuring long-term, sustainable growth. The highly exclusive GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Leadership Institute offers a comprehensive program to empower you with the skills and insights you need to become a truly transformative leader.
Includes the 2026 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Leadership Institute on February 24-25, 2026 and the Awards Gala on February 26, 2026.
Opening Reception
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 4:00 PM
Resilient by Design: The Second-stage Growth Imperative
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Mardi Gras Experience
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 4:15 PM, Universal Orlando
Mardi Gras Dinner
Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 5:00 pM
GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards Gala VIP Reception
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 4:30 PM, Hard Rock Live! CityWalk
Celebrating the 15th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honorees and Alumni Awards
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 5:30 pM, Hard Rock Live! CityWalk
