Wall Street South®, an economic development initiative led by the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB), continues to strengthen the Palm Beaches’ position as a hub for finance, innovation, and high-growth industries. What began as a strategy to attract global financial firms has evolved into a nationally recognized platform representing a broader, innovation-based economy supported by long-term planning, strategic partnerships, and talent development across Palm Beach County.
Wall Street South Luncheon Brings Together 400 Business and Finance Leaders
The Business Development Board recently hosted a Wall Street South® Luncheon, welcoming more than 400 business leaders and executives from across the region. The event marked a milestone for the initiative, featuring senior leaders from Point72, Evercore, Cresset Capital, TAG Associates, and DSM Capital Partners—firms representing a combined $300 billion in assets under management.
During the discussion, executives shared why they chose to establish a presence in the Palm Beaches, citing access to top-tier talent, growing regional wealth, a sophisticated lifestyle, cultural amenities, and world-class healthcare infrastructure.
The History and Vision Behind Wall Street South®
Wall Street South is the result of a 15-year strategic effort led by the Business Development Board. Launched in 2011, the initiative positioned Palm Beach County as a global wealth hub through sustained CEO outreach, workforce and education initiatives, and executive concierge services.
A recently released video traces the initiative’s evolution through archival coverage and key milestones, illustrating how long-term collaboration across business, education, and government has delivered measurable economic results.
Watch the Video: The History of Wall Street South >
Partnerships Driving Economic Growth in Palm Beach County
The success of Wall Street South® is grounded in long-standing partnerships across the public and private sectors, including local chambers of commerce, the Economic Council, CareerSource Palm Beach County, academic institutions, Discover the Palm Beaches, Palm Beach County government, and SelectFlorida / FloridaCommerce.
Together, these organizations have built a durable foundation for economic development—one that translates strategic vision into sustained growth and long-term impact for the Palm Beaches’ economy.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Financial Talent
Talent development remains central to the Wall Street South® initiative. The Inaugural Wall Street South® Stock Pitch Competition brought together students from 21 public and private high schools across Palm Beach County to present investment recommendations to executives from leading financial firms.
Judges included representatives from Point72, Tremblant Capital, Goldman Sachs, DSM Capital Partners, RiverNorth, and others. The Pine School’s winning team later presented its pitch live to hundreds of business leaders at the Wall Street South® Luncheon, highlighting the strength of the region’s emerging financial talent pipeline.
Wall Street South Expands Beyond Finance
Today, Wall Street South reflects more than financial services alone. The initiative now represents a broader innovation economy, including advanced technology, research, and emerging industries.
D-Wave Relocates Corporate Headquarters to Boca Raton
D-Wave, a global leader in quantum computing, is relocating its corporate headquarters from California to Boca Raton. The Business Development Board supported the relocation through executive concierge services, property tours, and strategic partnerships with the State of Florida, City of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University, and Quantum Coast Capital.
Florida Atlantic University Acquires Quantum Computer
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has purchased a $20 million quantum computer from D-Wave, making it the first and only university in Florida to host an onsite quantum computer. The investment reflects deep collaboration in workforce development and lays the groundwork for a future quantum-focused academy.
Palm Beach State College Hosts Regional Quantum Meeting
Palm Beach State College, in partnership with the Business Development Board and Quantum Coast Capital, recently hosted a Quantum Meeting that convened leaders from IonQ, D-Wave, NVIDIA, IBM, Levatas, and FAU.
The meeting took place at the future site of Palm Beach State College’s Quantum Innovation Center, which will support quantum workforce training and foster regional collaboration across South Florida’s growing innovation ecosystem.
A New Digital Home for Wall Street South®
As part of the initiative’s continued growth, www.wallstreetsouth.org has launched as a dedicated resource designed to help businesses, site selectors, and newcomers better understand Wall Street South® and the opportunities available throughout the Palm Beaches.
Advancing Economic Growth Through Collaboration
As Palm Beach County’s official economic development organization, the Business Development Board remains committed to initiatives that support business growth, talent development, and innovation. Wall Street South reflects the impact of sustained collaboration and long-term vision in strengthening the Palm Beaches’ economy.
Helpful Links:
- Video: The History of Wall Street South >
- Photos: BDB Wall Street South Luncheon >
- Website: Showcase the Wall Street South brand >
- Announcements: Share Economic Development News >
Questions? Contact the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County >
