Fort Myers Brewing picks up GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch honor

Fort Myers Brewing Company has been announced among the top 50 second-stage companies selected as a 13th 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 Feb. 15, at the Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk in Orlando.

About Fort Myers Brewing Company

Established in 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery to open in Lee County and continues to lead Southwest Florida’s surging craft beer movement. Founded by Rob and Jen Whyte, Fort Myers Brewing carries a signature line of flagship beers in addition to seasonal brews and small-batch specialties. Its ales, pilsners, stouts, IPAs and hard seltzers are winners of multiple prestigious awards, including a gold at the 2022 World Beer Cup, golds at the Best Florida Beer Competition and Great American Beer Festival, and Grand National Champion at the 2021 and 2022 U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championships. Fort Myers Brewing was named “Best Large Brewery in Florida” in 2016 and received the Business Resiliency and Innovation of the Year Award at the Lee County Economic Development Office, Horizon Council and Horizon Foundation’s 2021 Industry Appreciation Awards. Its beers are poured at 1,600 locations, including bars, restaurants and retail outlets, including grocery, package and convenience stores. The brewery is at 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28, in Fort Myers. For more information, visit FMBrew.com or call 239-313-6576.

About GrowFL

GrowFL, through our diverse programs and services, provides proven methods to help overcome unique challenges facing second-stage companies as they grow. Second-stage growth companies have at least six employees and $750,000 in revenue and possess the intent and desire to grow beyond second-stage. GrowFL is proud to serve Florida as the state’s only organization focused exclusively on supporting second-stage businesses. Website: growfl.com.

About Edward Lowe Foundation

The Edward Lowe Foundation was established in 1985 by Ed and Darlene Lowe to leverage entrepreneurship as a strategy for economic growth and community development. The foundation’s entrepreneurship initiatives focus on second-stage companies, which are growth-oriented firms that have moved beyond startup but have not yet reached maturity. Its peer learning, leadership education, and strategic information programs are geared to help these companies continue growing. For more information, visit EdwardLowe.org.