Volusia Innovation Hub Takes Off at DBIA

Volusia County entrepreneurs, startups as well as existing businesses, are set to take flight with the opening of the Volusia Innovation Hub at the Daytona Beach International Airport. The facility is located in the space formally occupied by the UCF Business Incubator.

“The Hub, which is overseen by Volusia County Economic Development, is a launchpad for the next generation of successful companies, providing resources, connections and expertise to accelerate their success,” according to a county media release. “Marking 14 years of entrepreneurship support, the Hub is unveiling a new brand, expanded programming and a cross-industry mission with a dynamic aviation-inspired theme honoring its location and future trajectory.”

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month, Connie Garzon, manager of the Hub, was enthusiastic about the new facility.

“We are ready to lift off and expand our services and support of all industries in the county,” she said. “Isn’t it nice that we are going to be helping service companies, mom and pops, the plumbers and electricians, everybody. We’re going to add more innovation in their businesses so we can continue growing those industries.”

In a video produced by the county, Nate White from Corporate Courseware, a training services firm headquartered in the Hub, said the facility will help those looking to start a business.

“The Innovation Hub really matters to budding entrepreneurs and students because it is where ideas come and then they’re launched into businesses that ultimately will come back and provide jobs to folks in the community that will help them on their economic journey,” he said.

In addition to the ribbon-cutting, the event also introduced several initiatives to assist businesses and entrepreneurs, including Launchpad Volusia, an eight-week program to provide participants with expert guidance to refine business models, develop pitches and create growth strategies.

Orbit Volusia is for firms moving beyond the startup phase to finding office space in a collaborative environment.

For second-stage companies – those generating $1 million to $50 million in annual revenue – Mission Control is a six-month executive development program that includes monthly strategic workshops covering a variety of topics such as global market expansion, export readiness, advanced financial strategies, sales optimization, talent acquisition and regulatory compliance.      

Runway Volusia is a 12-month track for international technology and aerospace companies entering the U.S. market. In the program, companies get support establishing “Made in USA” manufacturing capabilities, navigating regulatory requirements and building scalable operations.

The final piece is the Volusia Tech Hub, a community connecting local tech entrepreneurs, innovators and digital professionals with regular networking events, knowledge-sharing sessions and collaborative projects.