Enterprise Florida (EFI) has unveiled its new ‘Built for Opportunity’ Awareness Campaign in an effort to highlight small businesses that are prospering thanks to Florida’s decision to avoid draconian lockdowns.

In a series of videos released on YouTube, Florida’s principal economic development organization put the state’s lifeblood front and center, providing small business owners and manufacturers an outlet to discuss how Governor Ron DeSantis‘ leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled them to stay in business to provide for their families and employees. The quick glimpse includes diverse industries such as hospitality, health and wellness, agriculture and transportation, as well as Florida’s manufacturing industry which accounts for more than $55 billion in output to the state’s economy.

“While the rest of the country implemented draconian lockdown measures, in Florida we kept our businesses open, giving business owners the opportunity to provide for their families, keep employees on the payroll and serve their communities,” said DeSantis “These videos from real Floridians are a testament to the fact that what we did in Florida was the right thing to do. Florida remains a beacon of hope for those looking to find economic prosperity in a difficult time.”

The video series also spotlights the benefits of a free and open economy, noting how small businesses are building stronger economies and communities in Florida. Many of the small business owners featured note how a free and open economy enabled their business to not only continue amidst the pandemic, but expand to create more opportunities for Floridians. In particular, Andrew Alfano, CEO of Retro Fitness, recaps how Florida set an important precedent by being one of the first states to reopen gyms, which allowed Floridians to regain control of their health and daily routine.

“Florida was the first state to reopen health clubs, recognizing the importance of exercise, health and fitness,” Alfano says in the video. “We not only are getting through the pandemic, we are thriving and in growth mode. We are creating more jobs in the state of Florida than any other state in the nation.”

EFI says the videos peel back the curtain so Florida residents and out-of-state residents will be able to see the success that Florida has had over the past year.

“We are excited to unveil the Built for Opportunity Awareness Campaign,”said Secretary of Commerce Jamal Sowell, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida. “While other states were shutting business down, Florida was building them up, and that is the essence of the message we hope to send. We look forward to businesses continuing to thrive and seek opportunity in a state that facilitates success.”