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Volusia County Launches Game-Changing Business Innovation Hub to Accelerate Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth

New comprehensive platform offers startups, growing companies, and international businesses unprecedented support for success in Central Florida's thriving business corridor.

Volusia County is ushering in a new era of economic development with the launch of the Volusia Business Innovation Hub, a transformative initiative designed to become the region’s premier destination for entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth.

Following the Volusia County Council’s strategic decision on April 15 to transition management from the University of Central Florida to the County's Economic Development Division, the newly reimagined Hub represents a bold expansion from a specialized incubator to a comprehensive ecosystem supporting businesses at every stage of growth. As part of the management transition, Volusia County has retained the services of Connie Garzon, MBA - CBA, the previous Business Incubator site manager. 

From Startup Dreams to Global Success Stories

The Volusia Business Innovation Hub isn’t just another business center—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of successful companies. Whether you're a tech entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea, a growing company ready to scale internationally, or an established international business seeking to establish U.S. operations, VBIH provides the resources, connections, and expertise to accelerate your success.

“This transition marks a pivotal moment for economic development in Volusia County,” said Lou Paris, director of Volusia County’s Economic Development Division. “We’re not just changing management—we’re revolutionizing how we support business growth and innovation. The Innovation Hub will serve as a catalyst for job creation, economic diversification, and positioning Volusia County as a premier destination for businesses of all sizes.”

Five Powerful Programs Under One Roof

The Innovation Hub integrates five distinct, but interconnected programs designed to support businesses throughout their growth journey:

🚀 Launchpad Volusia

Transform your startup idea into a fundable business with this intensive 8-week program. Participants receive expert guidance to refine business models, develop compelling pitches, and create actionable growth strategies. The program culminates with investor pitch opportunities and direct access to funding networks.

🏢 Orbit Volusia 

Move beyond the garage startup phase with premium office space in a collaborative environment. Members gain access to specialized business services, mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, go-to-market strategy development, and direct connections to funding opportunities.

💼 Mission Control

Exclusive program for second-stage companies generating $1M-$50M in annual revenue. This six-month executive development initiative features monthly strategic workshops covering global market expansion, export readiness, advanced financial strategies, sales optimization, talent acquisition, and regulatory compliance.

🌍 Runway Volusia

A comprehensive 12-month pathway for international technology and aerospace companies entering the U.S. market. Participants receive support establishing "Made in USA" manufacturing capabilities, navigating regulatory requirements, and building scalable operations for global expansion.

💻 Volusia Tech Hub

A vibrant community connecting local tech entrepreneurs, innovators, and digital professionals through regular networking events, knowledge-sharing sessions, and collaborative projects focused on emerging technologies and digital innovation.

Strategic Location, Unlimited Potential

Located in the heart of Central Florida’s rapidly growing business corridor, the Volusia Business Innovation Hub offers participants strategic advantages including proximity to major metropolitan markets, access to top-tier universities, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. The region's growing reputation as a hub for aerospace, technology, and advanced manufacturing makes it an ideal location for companies looking to establish or expand their operations.

Real Results, Measurable Impact

The Innovation Hub’s comprehensive approach is designed to deliver tangible outcomes:

• For Startups: Faster time-to-market, improved funding success rates, and expert guidance through critical early-stage challenges
• For Growing Companies: Accelerated scaling, international expansion capabilities, and access to new markets and partnerships
• For International Companies: Streamlined U.S. market entry, regulatory compliance support, and local business network development
• For the Community: Job creation, economic diversification, and enhanced reputation as an innovation destination

Ready to Transform Your Business? Applications for Orbit Volusia are now being accepted. Early-stage companies and startups ready to accelerate their growth are encouraged to apply immediately, as spaces are limited and competition is expected to be significant. Apply Today

For more information about any of the Volusia Business Innovation Hub programs, or to schedule a facility tour, contact:

Connie Garzon, MBA - CBA

Volusia Business Innovation Hub Business Manager

📧 cgarzon@volusia.org

📞 386-872-3100

The Volusia Business Innovation Hub is operated by Volusia County’s Economic Development Division and represents the county’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, supporting business growth, and driving economic development throughout the region.

 Student-led company developing micro drones receives $10,000 prize and one year at the Volusia County Business Incubator 

Daytona Beach, Fla. (November 27, 2023) – Six student-led companies presented their business concepts and plans to a panel of judges at the 2023 Volusia County Innovation Challenge pitch competition on November 15. 

Previously known as the Cairns Foundation Innovation Challenge, this annual event brings entrepreneurs from Volusia County colleges and universities together to compete for $20,000 in cash and prizes for their ventures.  

This year’s top prize went to Limitless Aeronautics, founded by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students Alex Gardner and Nyameaama Gambrah. 

Limitless Aeronautics, winner of $10,000 and one year of enrollment in the UCF Business Incubation Program, is dedicated to crafting the future of cost-effective micro-UAV swarm technologies, bringing mission-critical systems to the modern and future frontline worker.”

“The opportunity presented by the Volusia County Innovation Challenge is tremendous and will help move us forward from working models to functional prototypes, and ultimately into the market,” says Limitless’ CEO Alex Gardner.

This year’s second place winner was Stetson University’s Skye Shapiro-Simmons, founder of skin care company Skye Meraki. Born out of personal experience and developed with a proprietary blend of natural, chemical-free compounds, Skye Meraki’s product is already in homes providing relief to customers diagnosed with psoriasis.

The 2023 Innovation Challenge was the 10th since being launched through a partnership between the Volusia County Business Incubator and the Cairns Foundation. James Cairns retired this year and closed his foundation. Volusia County and incubation program leaders worked to keep the challenge alive to support the community’s future entrepreneurs.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year seeing the tremendous future of entrepreneurship in our region,” says Connie Garzon, Site Manager, Volusia County Business Incubator powered by the UCF Business Incubation Program. “I always look forward to seeing how these companies grow over the years and experiencing the impact they have over time.”

Helping entrepreneurs and innovators succeed continues to be a county-wide goal. Small businesses, including those born from student innovation, are a critical component of economic health.

“Our county supports events like this to help strengthen the community’s economic future,” says Cyrus Callum, Director of Volusia County’s Aviation and Economic Resources Department. “By supporting these young entrepreneurs, we hope to encourage them to press on and, after graduation, to stay and build their companies right here in Volusia County.”

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For more information, contact Connie Garzon, Associate Director and Site Manager, at 386-872-3100 or Alan Byrd, Alan Byrd & Associates, at 407-415-8470 or Alan@ByrdConnections.com

About the UCF Business Incubation Program: The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high growth/impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has provided vital business development resources resulting in over 300 local startup companies reaching their potential faster and graduating into the community where they continue to grow and positively impact the local economy.

With nine facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties, and the cities of Eustis, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. In 2022, current incubator clients supported over 1200 employees and generated over $120 million in revenue. Nineteen companies graduated from the program and remained in the local community. For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.