Fueling Florida’s Innovation: Honoree Sponsors Partner at the 15th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Awards

[Gainesville, FL] The 15th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch is officially sold out, with 500 of Florida’s top business leaders gathering February 26 at Hard Rock Live to celebrate this year’s class of high-performing second-stage companies.

At the heart of this milestone celebration are the 2025 Honoree Sponsors, leaders who understand the critical role second-stage companies play in strengthening Florida’s economy and are actively investing in their success.

GrowFL extends special recognition to this year’s Honoree Sponsors: Align Business Advisory Services, Capital One, the City of Clearwater, Cowford Consulting, FAIRWINDS, Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI), Newland Growth Advisors, Pinellas County Economic Development, Research Park at Florida Atlantic University, and TechHouse.

“Our Honoree Sponsors do more than support this program. They help shape its impact across the state,” said Robert Newland, Chair of GrowFL. “From nominating standout companies in their communities to stepping on stage to present their awards, they are actively investing in the visibility and long-term success of Florida’s growth-stage businesses.”

The 2025 honorees represent one of the strongest classes in the program’s history. From 2021 through 2024, this group generated $2.3 billion in revenue and added 990 employees, reflecting a 95 percent increase in revenue and a 79 percent increase in jobs. Early projections for 2025 indicate continued momentum, with five-year totals expected to exceed $3.19 billion in revenue and 1,305 new jobs created. These companies span diverse industries across Florida and serve as a powerful engine of innovation, job creation, and economic growth.

“As a past honoree, I know how meaningful this recognition is at a pivotal stage of growth,” said Kathy Durfee, Founder and CEO of TechHouse and a 2021 GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honoree. “The credibility and connections that come with this program create real momentum. We’re proud to return as an Honoree Sponsor and celebrate this year’s companies as they continue to scale, innovate with purpose, and strengthen Florida’s economy.”

Presented by Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services and held in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, the February 26 gala marks a defining moment for Florida’s growth-stage business community.

While this year’s event has reached capacity, GrowFL encourages organizations interested in supporting Florida’s second-stage companies to learn contact info@growfl.com .