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Fort Myers Brewing Company has been announced as a finalist on GrowFL’s “Companies to Watch” list, which honors high-performing, second-stage companies headquartered in Florida that demonstrate innovative business strategies and high growth potential.

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.

“Being named a finalist for GrowFL’s ‘Companies to Watch’ list is such a privilege, especially being one of a select few businesses from Southwest Florida,” said Jen Whyte, founder and owner of Fort Myers Brewing. “This recognition shows how hard-working, dedicated and passionate our team is, and represents the impact and innovation that we strive to achieve every day.”

From an initial group of more than 550 nominees, GrowFL selected Fort Myers Brewing to join its list of 72 finalists statewide. The brewery is one of just four Lee County businesses named to this year’s finalist list.

“The companies selected as finalists are a testament to the resilience and creativity of Florida’s entrepreneurs. They are thriving in an ever-changing business landscape, and their accomplishments inspire others to strive for excellence,” said Jennifer Taylor, president and CEO of GrowFL. “Each finalist has demonstrated outstanding growth and innovation, positioning them as leaders within their industries. We are honored, year after year, to celebrate the outstanding success of the entrepreneurs in our state.”

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Developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation, GrowFL’s Companies to Watch recognizes the achievements of second-stage companies that contribute significantly to the state’s economic vitality through entrepreneurial leadership, innovation and community impact. GrowFL defines second-stage companies as those with six to 150 full-time employees that report $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue in 2022.

Now in its 13th year, GrowFL’s Companies to Watch program will announce 50 winners in October and celebrate honorees during a gala in February.

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.

Source: Fort Myers Brewing Company

Co-founders Jen and Rob Whyte in brewery. PROVIDED