Florida expands push to build competitive companies, create high-wage jobs

The Florida Council of 100 wants to change the way the state competes for – and grows – companies.

To do that, it is expanding its Ambition Accelerated initiative to attract and scale businesses in two key industries: Healthcare and climate resilience and infrastructure. It builds on the success of the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator, a program to build defense and financial technology companies in South Florida.

“Gold Coast Tech showed what’s possible when you connect founders directly into Florida’s economy," said Florida Council of 100 president and CEO Mike Simas. "This next phase is about scaling that model statewide."

While Florida is becoming a magnet for headquarter relocations, the goal of Ambition Accelerated is to position the state as a top destination for building businesses from the ground up. To do that, the state has to create a market that founders and operators want to be a part of.

The expanded model connects founders directly with customers, capital, and industry leaders, guided by CEOs of major Florida companies. A full list of partners will be announced later this summer.

Ambition Accelerated is a statewide initiative powered by The Florida Council of 100 and its Foundation designed to help high-growth, enterprise-ready companies build and scale in Florida.

info@ambitionaccelerated.com

© 2026 The Florida Council of 100 Foundation. All rights reserved.

Ambition Accelerated is a statewide initiative powered by The Florida Council of 100 and its Foundation designed to help high-growth, enterprise-ready companies build and scale in Florida.

info@ambitionaccelerated.com

© 2026 The Florida Council of 100 Foundation. All rights reserved.

Ambition Accelerated is a statewide initiative powered by The Florida Council of 100 and its Foundation designed to help high-growth, enterprise-ready companies build and scale in Florida.

info@ambitionaccelerated.com

© 2026 The Florida Council of 100 Foundation. All rights reserved.