Yes, it is a new award for our area, yet the Edward Lowe Foundation has been around since 1985. Mr. Lowe invented, of all things, kitty litter....Tiddy Cat is the brand! He started his foundation to "champion the entrepreneurial spirit" and the Companies to Watch award is given statewide in Michigan, Arizona, Indiana and Colorado. The Lowe Foundation for the first time has choosen to bring their Companies to Watch program to a region and is looking to regognize & mentor second-stage companies in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Baker, Putnam, Clay and Flagler counties.
A second stage company is one that is based locally, employs 6-99 employees and has annual revenues or available capital between $750,000 and $50 million.
The Lowe Foundation is looking for companies that usually fall under the award radar screen. Companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace, exhibit innovative products or processes and overall make this company one to watch!
In our 7 county region 13% of all companies can be classified as second-stage, yet they employee 37% of our workforce. Mr. Lowe felt that if recognized, mentored with educational and research opportunities that second-stage companies have the best potential to grow, employee more workers and give more back to the community.
Much more information is available at
www.edwardlowe.org and at
www.jaxregional.companiestowatch.org. I certainly hope that businesses in our area will take advantage of this excellent opportunity!
The award ceremony will take place on April 23, 5:30 at Old St. Andrews.
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An opportunity for second-stage business
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