Latest News and Events

October is National Manufacturing Month!

October is National Manufacturing Month! This month, we’re recognizing the skilled workers and companies who dedicate their careers to driving innovation and economic growth. According to Lightcast – Labor Market Analytics, manufacturing jobs in Sumter County grew by 8% from 2019-2024, with a 15% projected growth rate over the next five years.

Nonprofit Success Summit

Join us Thursday, November 13th for a powerful day of learning and connection! From 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, gain fresh fundraising strategies, board-building insights and practical tools to strengthen your nonprofit. Lunch is included. Tickets are $50 per person.

Sumter Long-Term Recovery Group - Open House

Recover. Rebuild. Rise.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join us as we introduce and celebrate the Sumter County Long Term Recovery Group, a new emergency nonprofit team for long term disaster & incident recovery.

September is Workforce Development Month!

This month, we celebrate the people, programs, and partnerships that help build a stronger workforce for today and tomorrow. From training opportunities to career pathways, workforce development empowers individuals to gain new skills, grow professionally, and open doors to brighter futures.

SCED Attends Electricity 101 Hosted by Duke Energy Florida

The Sumter County Economic Development team had the chance to attend Electricity 101 hosted by Duke Energy Florida on July 15th to see skilled linemen demonstrate real-world outage scenarios and learn how electricity powers our communities – and our projects.

SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Florida Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Drought

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida who sustained economic losses caused by the drought beginning May 6. The SBA is offering low-interest economic injury disaster loans. The loan amount can be up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 4%, and terms of up to 30 years. The deadline to apply is February 2, 2026.

Planning for Businesses

As Florida enters another hurricane season, businesses — especially small and medium-sized enterprises — face heightened risks of operational disruption, property damage, and financial loss. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster, and 25% more fail within a year if they lack a continuity plan.

Fortunately, Florida offers a wealth of resources to help businesses prepare, respond, and recover. The Florida Division of Emergency Management provides comprehensive guidance through its Business Planning portal, while the Florida Department of Financial Services offers consumer-focused storm preparedness tips.

Florida Economic Forecast 2024-2030

Florida’s population could grow by 1.4 million people by 2030. Florida Taxwatch examined key trends in population growth, employment, income, GDP and tourism and predicts the state’s economy could hit some headwinds by 2027 before recovering by 2030.