Opportunity Florida

06/10/2026

County Spotlight: Wakulla County 📍

Wakulla County offers the best of both worlds, a business-friendly environment with access to major markets, alongside an outstanding quality of life. Ongoing investments in highways, fiber connectivity, and port infrastructure are helping support future growth, while the county's natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and affordability continue to make it a great place to live and work.

06/05/2026

Our final stop on the Rural Tour was the Washington County Industrial Park. It was exciting to see the progress being made and learn more about plans for future development. The addition of rail access will create new opportunities for business growth, job creation, and economic development throughout the region.

06/05/2026

Our next stop on the Rural Tour was Evolution Welding. It was great to learn more about their business and the impact they’re making in our community. We’re especially excited about the approximately 60 jobs they’re bringing to the county and what that means for our local workforce and economy.

06/05/2026

Stop #3: WestPoint Hospitality 🏨

Our third stop on the Rural Tour brought us to WestPoint Hospitality in Chipley. It was fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at a company whose products end up in hotels and hospitality spaces across the country, all while creating jobs and making an impact right here in our community. We enjoyed learning more about their operations, hearing their story, and seeing firsthand how rural Florida businesses continue to grow and innovate.

06/05/2026

So many new & exciting things coming to Bonifay right here on this site. We can’t wait to see this property develop!

06/05/2026

Stop #2 on the Rural Tour: Pirate Rebar ⚓

From manufacturing to innovation, our second stop highlighted how rural Florida businesses are making a big impact. Pirate Rebar is helping shape the future of construction with American-made fiberglass rebar solutions that are lightweight, durable, and built to last. It was great to learn more about their operation, hear their story, and see firsthand how innovation is thriving right here in Bonifay. 🚧

06/05/2026

Our first stop on the Florida SBDC Network Rural Tour brought us to Probes Unlimited in Bonifay. It was great to see firsthand how this innovative company is contributing to job creation, economic growth, and opportunity in rural Florida.

Thank you to the team at Probes Unlimited for sharing your story and giving us a closer look at the impact your work is making in the community.

06/05/2026

On the road again! Florida's Rural Business Resource Tour continues this Friday, June 5, 2026 at the Washington County Agricultural Center in Chipley!

Bringing business resources directly to rural entrepreneurs: ✅ Learn about federal, state, and local business resources ✅ Workshops ✅ Networking opportunities ✅ Meet one-on-one with SBDC consultants ✅ And so much more!

Learn more & register: www.FloridaSBDC.org/ruraltour.

06/05/2026

Yesterday we had the opportunity to join Jackson County officials and stakeholders for a presentation by Florida's Great Northwest & VisionFirst Advisors. Together, we revisited our integrated plan & set new goals for Jackson County! We are committed to helping Jackson County grow & become a healthier county while also preserving the Jackson County you know & love.

Thank you to everyone who attended & was involved. Your work in the community matters more than you know!

06/03/2026

Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour is coming to your community. This free resource fair—cohosted by FloridaCommerce and the Florida SBDC Network—will bring together federal, state and local business resources right into your own backyard.
SAVE THE DATE! Friday, June 5th, Washington County Agricultural Center in Chipley!

What to Expect:
✅ Learn about federal, state, and local business resources
✅ Attend workshops
✅ Networking opportunities
✅ Meet one-on-one with SBDC consultants
✅ And more!

👉 Learn more & register: www.FloridaSBDC.org/ruraltour

Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour is a new, multi-county initiative bringing federal, state, and local business resources directly to rural communities. Get the help you need to start, grow, and strengthen your business—right in your own backyard. Hosted by FloridaCommerce and the Florida S...