Workforce & Training: Orlando-area manufacturing and tech leaders are getting a boost from the new Foundry School effort, aimed at connecting universities with industry to build job-ready talent as Florida expands Workforce Pell Grant-eligible programs for fields like advanced manufacturing, aviation and welding. Local Business Growth: Portrait Bank opened in Winter Park as Central Florida’s first de novo bank in nearly a decade, backed by $43M from 256 local investors to bring more relationship-based banking for small-to-midsize businesses. Small Business Recognition: Charlotte County spotlighted veteran entrepreneur Zack Mutnik, owner of Mutt’s Electric, in its “40 Under 40” program. Construction & Procurement: Orange County Public Schools and Ovation Construction earned a Job Order Contracting Award of Merit for a $511K Stone Lakes Elementary playground replacement. Cybersecurity for SMBs: A new review profiles seven Florida cybersecurity providers, highlighting options for small and mid-sized firms that need managed security, compliance help and incident response under one contract. Energy Costs & AI Data Centers: The U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act, pushing large-load data centers to cover the full costs of grid upgrades instead of shifting bills to families and small businesses. Entrepreneurship & Community: ANY LAB TEST NOW Jacksonville owner Randi Beesing was named 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association.