Governor speaks on small businesses
To the editor:
During October, I plan to shine a light on the role small businesses play in our communities. As Governor, I remain committed to keeping Florida as business friendly as possible. Florida’s economy, like that of the rest of our nation, is only as strong as the businesses and entrepreneurial spirit that fuel it. It is my hope that October’s focus will help make us more aware of the economic opportunities small businesses provide to Florida’s workforce and their ongoing contribution to the Sunshine State’s marketplace.
Small businesses need the resources and tools to succeed and thrive. Small businesses represent nearly 99.7 percent of employer firms in this country, and Florida is home to 1.9 million small businesses of her own, according to the Small Business Administration. These enterprises account for nearly 60 percent of all new jobs created in the Sunshine State, demonstrating great potential for Florida’s economic future. As the fourth largest state in the nation and the most populous in the southeastern United States Florida will continue to foster an environment where innovation, ambition and vision have the hope for a prosperous future. Now more than ever is the time to tap into Florida’s natural assets and talent to overcome, especially as our economy recovers.
Last year, the Pollina Group ranked Florida the second most pro-business state in the nation, and this year, the Tax Foundation ranked the Sunshine State has having the fifth most “business friendly” tax code. This administration will continue to make streamlining government, removing red tape and reducing burdensome regulation a top priority so that businesses can flourish. We will continue to support traditional industries like tourism and agriculture as well as provide opportunities for newer arenas such as biotechnology, green technologies and digital technology to expand.
I am grateful to Florida’s existing small businesses community and am confident that Florida’s talent and innovation will help build a brighter and better future for Florida. I will continue to ensure that Florida stays true to its business-friendly reputation and promotes the growth of small business across our state.
Charlie Crist
Florida Governor