Study: States CAPCO initiative creates jobs.(Certified Capital Company)

As the state Legislature considers bills to expand Florida's Certified Capital Company (CAPCO) program, a prominent South Florida research firm has released a venture capital industry-sponsored study suggesting the program is on pace to add 9,800 jobs in the state by 2005.

In its study dated March 28, The Washington Economics Group of Coral Gables reported that CAPCO's three participating venture firms have invested $49 million in 24 early-stage Florida technology companies since they began making investments in July 1999.

Companies that received CAPCO funds, including eight in South Florida, added 321 full-time jobs during 1999 and 2000. Using "multiplier" …