Mission
The Economic Development Office is a catalyst for job creation and quality growth in Palm Beach County. EDO responsibilities are to assist the public in achieving economic goals, understanding what economic services are available at the local, state and federal levels, and to implement, manage and monitor the Economic Development Program of the Board of County Commissioners. EDO provides coordination on economic issues, programs and projects affecting the entire County.
Program Coordination
EDO coordinates with local, state and federal agencies to seek grants and tax incentives for business development or expansion. The Economic Development Office is proud to assist businesses with their future. The Office coordinates with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, Inc., community redevelopment agencies, Enterprise Florida, Inc., Office of Tourism, Trade & Economic Development, Small Business Administration (SBA), Rural Development (USDA), and Economic Development Administration (EDA) to assist businesses to expand or retain their profitability.
Economic Development Programs
Palm Beach County is one of the largest counties east of the Mississippi River and supports a population of over 1.2 million distributed in 37 cities and unincorporated areas. Current EDO programs include the implementation of the Glades Business Plan, technical assistance and operating support for 4 business incubators, the Regions Development Grant Program, Job Growth Incentive Grant Program, Film & TV Grant Program, Marine & Film Tech Prep Program for high school students, Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program, the Federal Section 108 Loan Program and many other initiatives.
In the past 6 months, the Glades regeneration efforts have resulted in over $3.9 million of new economic development grants for projects such as the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST), the Pahokee Marina and Campground, expanded infrastructure for clean water, and other important community rebuilding projects. Other efforts underway include development of a major agribusiness farmers market, and implementation of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail Economic Enhancement Plan with gateways in Belle Glade, Pahohee and South Bay downtown areas. The EDO efforts are geared to entice businesses to relocate or expand, stimulate quality job growth, help small businesses and new entrepreneurial projects, and to foster a healthy tax base.
For programs information, visit our website at http://www.pbcgov.com/PubInf/EDO/mission.htm .
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