A new report by Simply Business shows among the nation’s midsize metros, Lakeland-Winter Haven saw the 5th largest surge in new business applications in the country.
In 2019, there were 8,133 new business applications filed in the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro; in 2023, that figure rose to 16,713.
“Healthcare is at the very top. Manufacturing and distribution are both still big players in terms of jobs and investment in Central Florida, but we see plenty of small business openings,” said Brian Rewis, Lakeland Community & Economic Development Director.
Rewis said the trend speaks to overall growth in Polk County and a business-friendly environment.
“There are about a dozen Lakeland-based resource partners that are working in that entrepreneurial support space. I think is undeniably a big part of the new business openings and migration to Lakeland but then also the success of those businesses,” said Rewis.