For the second year in a row, the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to foster and nurture the development of the region’s health and life sciences sector. Last year, Gulf Coast’s funding supported the mapping of health innovation companies in Sarasota and Manatee counties, and a first-time collaborative effort that included the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation and led to Health Innovation Week in November 2015. The event included open houses, networking events, the launch of a website supporting the sector and daily media coverage, all intended to attract more attention and ultimately resources to the sector.