What’s going on, Orlando?

Having a population of around 2.4 million inhabitants according to the U.S. Census Bureau figures released in 2016, the Orlando metropolitan area (OMA) is well known as a region that attracts many visitors (more than 66 million in 2015). Featuring numerous attractions and theme parks, the leisure and hospitality sector generates more than 250,000 jobs, number 1 employer in the region. It is a fact … OMA is a tourism powerhouse!

But, it is way more than that. The region prides itself to be home of companies as the Bank of America, Darden Restaurants, Deloitte, Electronic Arts, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Mitsubishi-Hitachi Power Systems, Northrop, Grumman, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), Siemens Energy, Tupperware Brands Corp., Universal Orlando Resort, Verizon Communications and, of course, the Walt Disney Company, just to name a few.

Also, Orlando is home to the U.S. operations of Australia’s Adacel, Spain’s Indra System, Japan’s Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems and Germany’s Siemens Energy among many others. In total, more than 150 international companies, representing about 20 countries, have facilities in the area.

It is projected that the OMA will welcome an additional 350,000 new residents by 2020, of which more than 200,000 will join the labor force. It is a fact … OMA is an economic powerhouse!

Here, technology is not only a promise for the future, but rather a reality of our present days. The list of higher education institutions in the region includes universities and colleges such as the University of Central Florida (UCF), Florida A&M’s Law School, Florida State University’s Medical School, Valencia College, Full Sail University, Rollins College, Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College, and many others. These institutions provide highly qualified hands and minds for this growing sector, which represents an estimated $13 billion market. It is a fact … OMA is a technology powerhouse!

Product development and scientific research? Yes, of course! It is said that each year about $4 billion flows through the Central Florida Research Park only. With its 59 buildings, 126 companies and around 10,000 employees it is the largest research park in Florida, forth in the country. Institutions such as the United States Department of Defense, the University of Central Florida and several other corporations are part of the selected group of partners of this important park. It is a fact … OMA is a scientific research powerhouse!

Amateur and professional sports are also very well represented. An impressive directory of top sport venues with high quality fields, lighted athletic tracks, synthetic turf fields, speedways, golf courses, tennis courts, aquatic centers, stadiums and arenas. This sector featured dozens of sporting events by the end of 2016 in this region, from WWE to hockey, baseball, soccer, car racing, basketball, rodeo, athletics, football and the list goes on and on. It is a fact … OMA is a sports powerhouse!

Healthcare, cultural activities, concerts, festivals, performing arts, fashion, food, conferences, conventions, pets … Yes, yes, yes and yes! All checked!

It is not that the tourism isn’t important to Orlando and region, au contraire. But, as one can see, there is much more going on here. So, whether your business plans and activities are in leisure, technology, sports, healthcare, scientific research or else, this is the best time and this region is the best place for you to invest.

It is a fact … OMA is a powerhouse, period! And it is where you want to be!

At Florida Connexion our multidisciplinary business brokers can assist you in identifying the right business for you and the right buyer for your business.

This article is for general, indicative purpose only and should not be considered investment advice. Florida Connexion is not liable for any financial loss, damage, expense or costs arising from your investment decisions based on this article.