More than 3,700 New Jobs Projected by 2027
The tech industry in Tampa is thriving and showing no signs of slowing down. The information technology sector has experienced significant growth over the past five years in the Tampa Bay Region, with a 30 percent jump in job growth.
This tech industry growth in Tampa is expected to continue, with projections of adding over 3,700 jobs by 2027, for a total growth of 14 percent, according to recent data from Chmura JobsEQ Data provided by the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council.
The growth in tech jobs has also spurred growth in tech businesses, with the number of businesses in the IT industry in the region increasing from nearly 13,400 in 2017 to nearly 17,000 in 2021 – an increase of 27 percent over the past five years.
These numbers show the growing importance of the tech industry to the economic growth of the region, bringing diversity and job creation to the area, further solidifying Tampa's position as a hub for technology and innovation.
“As the tech industry continues to flourish in Tampa, we are seeing more and more people drawn here to join in the excitement. Our thriving tech sector is attracting top talent and innovative entrepreneurs, who are drawn by the supportive business environment, highly-skilled workforce, and pro-growth policies that we have put in place," Mayor Jane Castor said. "The City of Tampa is committed to supporting our local businesses and creating an environment that makes it easy for people to start and grow their tech companies. With our focus on innovation, economic growth, and a commitment to our residents, the tech industry in Tampa is poised for even greater success in the years to come."
The city government has been working to create a favorable environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses, streamlining permitting processes and simplifying the process to become a city contractor or vendor. Additionally, the city has adopted a more supportive attitude towards small business owners.
These efforts have resulted in Tampa Bay being ranked as the #2 city for small business employment in the country. and the #1 city for women-owned businesses, as well as emerging as a leader in new industries such as cybersecurity, which is reflected in its ranking as the #1 emerging tech hub by Forbes.
“Information technology is one of our fastest growing industries," said Craig J. Richard, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council. "Over the past few years, we’ve seen a steady increase in interest from tech CEOs, particularly in the sectors of cybersecurity, fintech, and health tech, who are discovering that Tampa is an ideal place to grow their companies."
Paragon Cyber Solutions, LLC is one such example of a growing business in Tampa. This African American-, woman-, and veteran-owned small business. The company provides cybersecurity and compliance services to help reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. The company is celebrating its new headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 10, 2023, at 2:30 PM, with Mayor Castor, The Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, and community partners in attendance.
"Tampa offered the perfect blend of weather, tax-free benefits, and a supportive community for small businesses, making it the ideal location for launching my cybersecurity company," said Courtney H. Jackson, the founder and CEO of Paragon Cyber Solutions, LLC. "We receive a lot of support from not only the Tampa Chamber and the City of Tampa and the mayor, but other business owners as well."
Tampa currently employs more than 50,000 residents in tech occupations, according to the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council.