One of the long-time strengths of this community is its incredible entrepreneurial spirit and support. This is truly a place which supports and encourages entrepreneurship. It is very much part of our DNA here. As much as the springs and horses define us, so does entrepreneurship. It was a part of the CEP even before the merger more than eleven years ago now and continues to be so today with Business Creation being one of our five pillars and the Power Plant Business Incubator serving as the heart of those efforts. Soon, our new Silver Springs Shores Impact Entrepreneurship Center will open to expand our support for small business growth and development to this area of our community. Our Impact Initiative presented by Ausley Construction exists because we believe entrepreneurship is the best way to overcome inequality of opportunity. So, celebrating and supporting entrepreneurs is a natural part of what we do.
Inc 5000
The Inc 5000 list is the gold standard of business growth. Every year since 1982, Inc. has recognized the fastest growing privately held companies in the US based on percentage of revenue growth over a three-year period. Companies first recognized by Inc. include Microsoft, Facebook, and Under Armor.
Every year, a number of local companies earn this prestigious honor. For 2023, four companies in the Ocala Metro were listed:
- Next Dimension Construction & Roofing (#111)
- Zinnia Wealth Management (#3692)
- Certified Roofing (#3722)
- Signature Brands (#4984)
Other local companies who have previously made the list multiple times include Optimum RV and Raneys.
The CEP celebrates all of these incredible entrepreneurs and looks forward to celebrating even more companies next year.
GrowFL Companies to Watch
GrowFL is a statewide economic development organization and hosts the awards program in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, a national, nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurship through research, recognition, and educational programs. The foundation focuses on second-stage companies — those that have moved beyond the startup phase and seek significant, steady growth. GrowFL, in turn, helps second-stage companies in Florida overcome obstacles and leads them towards prosperity by providing strategies, resources and support designed to prepare them for next level success.
One of the tools they use to drive this effort is their annual Companies to Watch. Each year, 50 companies are highlighted. To qualify for the award, companies must be Florida-based, have between 6 and 150 employees, and have revenue between $750,000 and $100 million. A company can only make the list once and to date they have recognized 650 companies with this award.
This year Ocala’s Nona Scientific Laboratory made the list. They join other local companies who have previously been honored including Packaging Alternatives, MzeroA, Marion Precision Tool, Winco Mfg, and Artemis Plastics as well Raneys and Nona Scientific.
Congrats to all of our current and past winners!
