Fort Myers Brewing Announced as GrowFL ‘Florida Companies to Watch’ Honoree

Fort Myers Brewing Company has been announced among the top 50 second-stage companies selected as a 13^th annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Honoree. This is a statewide awards program that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years.

Celebrating 10 years in business, Fort Myers Brewing is one of the largest craft brewers in the state with a 22,000-square-foot facility and signature line of award-winning brews and seltzers. The brewery was founded by Rob and Jen Whyte in 2013 as Lee County’s first craft brewery, and its brews are now poured at 1,600 restaurant and retail locations across Florida.

“We are overjoyed to be named as one of the honorees for GrowFL’s Companies to Watch this year, especially being one of only two companies recognized in Lee County,” said Jen Whyte, founder and owner of Fort Myers Brewing. “We strive to provide our customers with quality brews and a place for family and friends to gather in our community, and this award demonstrates that commitment.”

From an initial group of more than 550 nominees and seven finalists statewide, GrowFL selected Fort Myers Brewing to join its list of 50 honorees. The brewery is one of two Lee County businesses named to this year’s honoree list.

“GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch was designed to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and to shine a spotlight on the deserving second-stage businesses in our state,” said Jennifer Taylor, president, and CEO of GrowFL. “Second-stage companies are the lifeblood of our economy, creating jobs and fueling prosperity. This diverse group, spanning 20 different counties, representing 18 different industries and 32% of them being woman, veteran, or minority owned, proves Florida is a place where entrepreneurs can thrive. We look forward to celebrating their success for years to come.”

Developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation, Companies to Watch is a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities, and within the state – thus deeming them worth watching.

Companies named to the list will be officially recognized at the 13th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Celebration on February 15, 2024, at the Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk in Orlando.