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We stand for a brighter, healthier and more progressive future for the greater Gainesville community, the state of Florida and the entire world. This is where research from a Top-5 university, best-in-class laboratory and office space, a talented workforce and a family-focused outdoor, vibrant lifestyle mesh perfectly together.
Our region draws business with its available and affordable land, organized municipalities, and elements of cooperation, innovation focus, growth mindset, vision and highly educated workforce. It offers a unique mix of rural beauty and a forward-thinking, results-driven approach to business and economic development.
Businesses from start-ups to the Fortune 500 have a home in Progress District, which creates a great deal of economic benefits. From jobs to infrastructure to the utilization of research of the University of Florida, Alachua County is gaining a national reputation for helping advance technology companies grow.
Companies will enjoy Florida’s businesses-friendly environment, while families have access to outdoor beauty from our forests to our natural springs and rivers.
Greater Gainesville not only helps startups flourish, but it is also a viable option for companies that want to relocate. The region draws businesses with its available and affordable land, organized municipalities, and elements of cooperation, innovation, focus, growth mindset, and highly educated workforce. The two districts, the Innovation District and the Progress District, make up a region that is fueled by entrepreneurial drive.
The greater Gainesville area is fortunate to have two incredible hospital networks in town with doctors and resources dedicated to community health. UF Health is affiliated with the University of Florida and has several facilities around Gainesville. HCA Florida North Florida Hospital has a main hospital as well as comprehensive services from affiliated providers in the region.
While not too far from the energy of Gainesville, the City of Alachua is a peaceful town with quaint shops and restaurants. The perfect setting for family life.
With miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is the crown jewel of outdoor recreation in Alachua County.
Winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Santa Fe College is a pipeline for an educated, talented, and ready to hit the ground running workforce. The Perry Center for Emerging Technologies is a 30,000 square foot building dedicated to giving students the skills to advance their careers in the technology industry. Students can earn a BAS in Industrial Biotechnology or an AS in Biotechnology Laboratory Technology Programs.
The Chrels R. and Nancy V. Perry Center for Emerging Technologies is located in Alachua, the heart of Florida’s high-tech corridor, about 13 miles from SF’s Northwest Campus. The Perry Center provides citizens of northern Alachua County an opportunity for a college education close to home. The Perry Center focuses specifically on emerging technology degrees. The 30,000 square foot building opened in 2009 and has functioning laboratories and state-of-the-art technology classrooms.
Without a doubt, the University of Florida is a launchpad for research, technology, and innovation. “Better Research for a Better State” is a university motto we stand behind. It is home to 22 departments that focus on Life Sciences. This high number speaks to the growing Bioscience and Life Science cluster that continues to prosper in the Progress District. UF has one of the top graduate incubators in the country and is also among the top-five universities for transferring bio-research to the marketplace. In 2023, UF ranked fifth in the nation in public universities and second for technology-transfer.
