Paradigm Parachute & Defense receives second UWF IRDF Grant

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance announced that Paradigm Parachute & Defense, a disabled-veteran-owned small business, has received their second Industry Resilience and Diversification Fund (IRDF) grant. The grant, administered through the University of West Florida, will assist with the expansion of manufacturing operations in Pensacola. 

This grant, made possible by a collaboration between FloridaWest and UWF, will allow Paradigm to continue to grow and create new jobs in Escambia County. The fund was established by the Florida Legislature, the Florida Department of Commerce and UWF to help Northwest Florida businesses grow, innovate and thrive.

Alexander Alvarado, co-owner and CEO of Paradigm, says the grant has allowed them to move into a larger building with an environment that is much more conducive to their manufacturing processes and more professional as well. 

“With help from FloridaWest and the grant from UWF, we have created a place with space for growth and that tells our customers we are here to stay,” said Alvarado. “Our dream is to build a company that can stand the test of time, a company where the team is proud to work, and a company with strong relationships with its customers and suppliers.”

Paradigm showcases new facility at open house

Hilson departs FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance

Brian Hilson, CEO of FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance, has resigned his position at FloridaWest and moved to the Birmingham area because of a pressing need to be with aging family members and to provide support to his wife, Windy, who is their caretaker. 

David Bear, President of the FloridaWest Board of Directors, said the board has a process in place to oversee the organization.

“Although we’re saddened by Brian’s departure, the FloridaWest board has a process for such transitions and the executive committee will take the lead on an interim basis while we recruit a new CEO,” said Bear. “Brian has committed to help us in this transition.”

FloridaWest is working on several economic development projects at locations throughout Escambia County.

“The FloridaWest board of directors is fully committed and engaged for the success of FloridaWest projects in Pensacola and Escambia County and will keep the momentum behind FloridaWest’s economic development projects and current fundraising campaign, Built to Grow,” said Bear. “Funding Solutions will continue to collaborate with FloridaWest leadership to bring success to their fundraising campaign."

Past Chairman of the FloridaWest board of directors, Rick Byars, will serve as interim CEO to keep projects moving forward and to oversee the fundraising campaign, Built to Grow.

U.S. Air Force Academy’s Cadet Summer Research Program interns find home at IHMC

From IHMC

Students have long had a home at the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). 

This summer’s student collaborators included cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy participating in the Cadet Summer Research Program. This program offers opportunities for cadets to get out of the classroom and experience real-world research and development that align with their majors, interests, and potentially their career fields. 

Senior Research Scientist Dr. Kevin Gluck, who worked with the students, says that although they won’t all pursue science or engineering in the Air Force, it is certain research and development will play a role in all their careers. 

“Their experiences at IHMC this summer established a foundation they will build on in their senior capstone project, and they will carry those lessons about rigorous scientific processes and advanced methodologies forward with them as new officers and emerging leaders within the Air Force,” Gluck says.

All the cadets are majoring in Systems Engineering with a Human Factors focus. They are working on a project funded by a three-year grant from the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research. 

Taco Thursday at CO:LAB Pensacola

CO:LAB hosts Taco Thursday🌮 for its Resident Entrepreneurs the last Thursday of every month! 

Taco Thursday is all about enjoying scrumptious tacos, learning, sharing best practices and encouraging each other. 

Guests are welcome, just email us for reservations as seating is limited. 

Tacos sponsored by FPL. 🌮

1 Million Cups at CO:LAB Pensacola

1 Million Cups ☕ is your monthly opportunity to get together with other entrepreneurs and talk shop. 

You'll hear local entrepreneurs introduce their businesses and discuss your own small business with other like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators over coffee and conversation. 

We'll have the coffee ready, you bring the ideas!

The first Wednesday of every month, 9:00 a.m. at CO:LAB.

Ideas?



If you have an idea for an article or would like to have an event included in this newsletter, please email us!