GrowFL

What GrowFL does

GrowFL is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009, headquartered in Gainesville with presence in Orlando. It serves second-stage Florida companies — defined as those with 6 to 150 employees and $750,000 to $100 million in revenue — through a portfolio of programs including the Florida Companies to Watch awards (recognizing 750+ companies since 2011), GrowFL Edge!, CEO Roundtables, and Leadership Institutes. Its core function is ecosystem curation: identifying and convening high-growth Florida businesses, connecting them with peer CEOs, mentors, and capital partners, and providing recognition that supports fundraising and talent attraction. There is no proprietary technology platform; deliverables are delivered via in-person events, structured programs, and regional chapters.

GrowFL's business model is a membership-and-sponsorship hybrid typical of nonprofit economic development organizations. Revenue comes from membership dues ranging from $495 to $4,950 annually across tiered structures, paid participation in the GrowFL Edge! advisory program (approximately $4,950/year), event sponsorships ranging from $1,500 to $50,000, and charitable donations. Its primary customer segment is the founders and CEOs of second-stage Florida companies; secondary customers are corporate sponsors (financial institutions and foundations) that underwrite events and programming. The organization maintains a regional chapter structure across Florida and reports a community of 700+ alumni from its flagship awards program, plus 1,000+ assisted companies. Sponsorship concentration includes a mix of regional and national partners (Edward Lowe Foundation, Bank of America, Northern Trust, Synovus), which has broadened materially in 2025.

Name

GrowFL

Legal name

GrowFL, Inc.

Website

https://growfl.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

GrowFL is a Florida nonprofit founded in 2009 that supports second-stage companies (6-150 employees, $750K-$100M revenue) through awards programs, CEO roundtables, leadership institutes, and the GrowFL Edge! advisory program, serving a community of 750+ recognized companies and 700+ alumni.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Consulting Services

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDABAAAA

Executive Leadership & C-Suite Development

Education/Corporate Training & Professional Development/Leadership & Management Development

SECONDARYBPACANAA

Corporate & Leadership Development

Business & Public Services/HR, Staffing & Recruitment Services/Training, Learning & Development Services

SECONDARYEDABAAAK

Leadership Assessment, 360 Feedback & Development Planning

Education/Corporate Training & Professional Development/Leadership & Management Development

SECONDARYEDABAAAO

Innovation Leadership & Leading Growth

Education/Corporate Training & Professional Development/Leadership & Management Development

Keywords

• Second-stage company support
• CEO peer networks
• Leadership development programs
• Economic development services
• Business growth education

Headquarters

HQ city

Orlando

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. CEO Membership Dues: Annual membership fees at three tiers: Connected CEO ($495/year), Strategic Leader ($2,500/year), and Visionary Executive ($4,950/year). Membership provides access to peer networks, events, assessments, and advisor introductions.
2. GrowFL Edge! Program: Comprehensive advisory program priced at $4,950 annually ($412.50/month). Includes monthly meetings with trusted advisors, customized action plans, and support across key business functions. Members receive 50% discount.
3. Event Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for the Annual Awards Gala and Leadership Institute. Sponsorship packages range from $1,500 (Finalist Recognition) to $50,000 (Foundational Lead). Provides brand visibility and access to second-stage CEO network.
4. Donations: GrowFL is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 86-2277489) that accepts charitable donations through Zeffy platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

GrowFL is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports second-stage companies through peer-based CEO networks, leadership development programs, business education events, and growth-focused awards. Its sellable offerings include paid CEO Membership, the GrowFL Edge! leadership curriculum, Leadership Retreats and Institutes, CEO Roundtables, Breakfast Boost series, Grow Story Live!, and the Trusted Advisor Network of vetted professional service providers.

Product overview

GrowFL is Florida's only organization exclusively dedicated to supporting second-stage companies (businesses with 6-150 employees and $750K-$100M revenue). The organization operates as a nonprofit membership and events platform offering a portfolio of interconnected programs: the Florida Companies to Watch (FLCTW) awards program for recognition and visibility; CEO Membership with three tiers providing peer networking, accountability, and advisor access; the GrowFL Edge! advisory program connecting CEOs with trusted advisors for strategic growth; Leadership Institutes for intensive peer learning; CEO Roundtables for peer-to-peer executive education; the Breakfast Boost regional networking series; Grow Story Live! site visits to successful companies; and a Trusted Advisor Network of vetted professionals. The programs work together to provide second-stage CEOs with community, resources, and strategic support for scaling their businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Florida Companies to Watch (FLCTW): A statewide awards program recognizing second-stage businesses with exceptional growth, innovation, and leadership.
• GrowFL Edge!
• CEO Membership
• Leadership Retreats and Institutes
• CEO Roundtables
• Grow Story Live!
• Breakfast Boost
• Trusted Advisor Network

Products and services

• CEO Membership Annual paid membership for CEOs of Florida-based second-stage companies, providing access to peer networks, leadership programs, events, and the Trusted Advisor Network.
• GrowFL Edge! Structured leadership development and coaching program designed for CEOs of second-stage companies, delivered as a multi-session curriculum.
• Florida Companies to Watch Awards program that recognizes and showcases high-performing second-stage companies across Florida, providing visibility and credibility to honorees.
• Leadership Retreats and Institutes Multi-day intensive off-site leadership training events for CEOs and executives of member second-stage companies.
• CEO Roundtables Recurring peer-group discussion forums in which CEOs of second-stage companies share challenges, benchmark practices, and exchange referrals.
• Breakfast Boost series Educational breakfast event series delivering short-format business and leadership content to Florida business leaders.
• Grow Story Live! Live event program in which member CEOs share their company's growth story with peers, sponsors, and the broader Florida business community.
• Trusted Advisor Network Curated network of vetted professional service providers (e.g., attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, consultants) that member CEOs can access for growth-stage company needs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% revenue growth for 2025 honorees from 2021-2024
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Edward Lowe FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2025Co-presenter of the Florida Companies to Watch awards program. The Edward Lowe Foundation partners with GrowFL to recognize and support second-stage entrepreneurs, sharing resources and validation for the annual awards.
• Nperspective CFO & Strategic ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2025Presenting sponsor for the 15th Annual Florida Companies to Watch Awards Gala. Provides strategic visibility and executive networking access within the second-stage CEO community.
• Align Business Advisory ServicescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor for the Florida Companies to Watch Awards. Nominates outstanding companies and presents awards at the gala.
• Bank of AmericacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor; presenter of Northeast Florida Finalist Recognition Dinner. Key financial partner supporting the awards program.
• Northern TrustcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor; venue host for multiple Breakfast Boost events across Florida. Provides breakfast venues and expert speakers for regional programming.
• SynovuscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor; EDGE! Program sponsor. Supports executive education and strategic programming for second-stage CEOs.
• TechHousecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252021 Honoree and 2025 Honoree Sponsor. Kathy Durfee (CEO) actively promotes GrowFL programs as past honoree championing the value of recognition.
• Capital OnesupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor supporting the awards program and Florida's second-stage business community.
• Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship (JMI)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor supporting entrepreneurship development and second-stage company growth in Florida.
• Newland Growth AdvisorscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor; Robert Newland serves as GrowFL Board Chair. Dual role as sponsor and organizational leader.
• Research Park at Florida Atlantic UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor; Ryan Lilly serves as Southeast Chapter co-lead representing the research park's economic development mission.
• Pinellas County Economic DevelopmentsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor supporting second-stage company recognition in the Tampa Bay region.
• City of ClearwatersupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor supporting economic development and second-stage business growth in Clearwater area.
• Cowford ConsultingsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor supporting the Jacksonville-area business community.
• FAIRWINDS Credit UnionsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 February 20252025 Honoree Sponsor supporting central Florida second-stage companies.
• University of Central Florida (UCF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Tom O'Neal serves as GrowFL Founder and board member. UCF connection provides academic resources and research park access.
• UF InnovatecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKarl LaPan serves as board member and chapter co-lead. UF Innovate Accelerate and The Hub host North Central Florida Breakfast Boost events.
• Florida High Tech CorridorsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaul Sohl (CEO) serves as board member. Partnership supports technology corridor economic development initiatives.
• South Florida Manufacturers AssociationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPete Previte serves as Past Chair of GrowFL Board and leader of SFMA, supporting manufacturing sector second-stage companies.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• YPO (Young Presidents' Organization): YPO provides peer forums, leadership development, and executive education for CEOs and presidents of sizeable companies, comparable in offering mix (forums, retreats, learning) to GrowFL's Leadership Institutes and Membership.
• SCORE: SCORE is a nonprofit mentoring and small-business advisory network, overlapping with GrowFL's Trusted Advisor Network and Edge! program, and serving an overlapping second-stage customer base (free vs. paid offering).
• Renaissance Executive Forums: Renaissance Executive Forums organizes paid peer advisory forums for SME CEOs, closely mirroring GrowFL's CEO Roundtable and Strategic Leader structure and member economics.
• EO (Entrepreneurs' Organization): EO is a global peer network for founders/owners of companies that have surpassed $1M in revenue — directly overlapping GrowFL's second-stage company focus on leadership development, peer learning, and growth-stage events.
• Edward Lowe Foundation: The Edward lowers Foundation partners directly with GrowFL as co-presenter of the FLCTW awards and runs the national Companies to Watch program, making it a peer, partner, and collaborator on the same second-stage recognition model.
• Vistage: Vistage runs paid CEO peer-group advisory and executive coaching for SME leaders — directly comparable to GrowFL's CEO Membership tiers, Roundtables, and Edge! advisory offerings, with similar subscription pricing model.
• The Alternative Board (TAB): TAB facilitates peer advisory boards for SME owners and CEOs in a paid membership format, closely paralleling GrowFL's CEO Roundtables and Strategic Leader membership structure.

Peers

• Florida SBDC Network: Florida's statewide Small Business Development Center network delivers no-cost consulting and growth support to FL businesses — directly comparable geography, audience, and mission to GrowFL, though funded federally rather than via membership fees.

Others

• NACCE (National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship): NACCE supports entrepreneurship education and ecosystem development through community colleges, adjacent to GrowFL's economic-development mission for second-stage companies via partners like UF Innovate, UCF, and FAU Research Park.

Broad incumbents

• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program provides education, mentorship, and growth support to growth-oriented small businesses across the U.S., overlapping GrowFL's CEO education and peer-learning mission at a national, well-funded scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/growfl
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/growfl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GrowFL