Entrepreneurial Support

Florida is continually recognized as a top location for startups. From incubators to accelerators to co-working spaces, numerous organizations exist across our region to help small and growing businesses thrive. Realizing the potential for startups to diversify and stimulate our economy, The Corridor proudly supports three internationally recognized university-based incubation programs, as well as organizations dedicated to small-business success.

University Incubation Programs

Incubation ensures a higher success rate by providing key business development resources to help your early-stage business achieve financial stability. Whether you’re looking to start or relocate your small business to our region, incubators at our three research universities are primed to accelerate the growth of your startup through its most fragile stage. Entrepreneurs may also access resources from the Florida Business Incubation Association and International Business Innovation Association (InBIA), which are both headquartered in The Corridor.

University of Central Florida

Since 1999, the award-winning University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program has helped nearly 400 local startup companies reach their potential faster by providing vital business development resources. Its success has garnered honors such as “Incubator Network of the Year” from InBIA.

Three programs serve entrepreneurs at varying stages – pre-incubation, incubation and soft landing – as well as a program specifically designed for veteran entrepreneurs. Seven facilities, including the area’s only wet-lab incubator, serve startups from Daytona Beach to Kissimmee. Learn more at incubator.ucf.edu.

University of South Florida

Founded in 2001, the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator at the University of South Florida provides critical services to over 70 early-stage companies that have garnered over 245 patents and $158 million in funding. Incubator clients enjoy networking opportunities, wet-lab space and research equipment, access to top-tier research faculty and more. Learn more: https://www.usf.edu/research-innovation/rf/usf-connect/tbti/.

University of Florida

UF Innovate | The Hub offers a state-of-the-art wet laboratory, light manufacturing and office space, along with advising, mentoring, education and amenities to help North Central Florida entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more: https://innovate.research.ufl.edu/the-hub/.

For entrepreneurs growing enterprises related to the life sciences or medical technologies, the world-renowned Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator assists with finding finances and forming relationships with venture investment groups, access to legal and accounting help, matching company leaders with experienced entrepreneurs and advisers in specialty areas, and guidance on the recruitment of qualified employees. Eighty percent of its graduates are still operating after five years in business. Learn more: http://innovate.research.ufl.edu/sid-martin-biotech/why-us/.

Florida Virtual Entrepreneur Center (FLVEC)

FLVEC is the go-to resource for small-business owners who want to connect with the right people, organizations, and information to accelerate their success. Its exclusive network of over 700 business owners from across the state can connect monthly to ask questions, share best practices and learn about resource agencies. Involvement with FLVEC opens the door to new business growth by providing several platforms for increased visibility, including a blog, events calendar, and multiplatform social media presence.

Visit FLVEC

Florida Economic Gardening® Institute (GrowFL)

GrowFL cultivates second-stage companies by providing access to strategic research, peer-to-peer CEO mentoring, leadership training and other resources typically available and affordable only to successful later-stage companies. Its statewide network includes several local chapters to support business owners and their teams. GrowFL is based on the Economic Gardening® philosophy to grow existing businesses in a community, region or state. Critical to Florida’s economic development and entrepreneurial ecosystem, GrowFL is certified by the National Center for Economic Gardening® through the Edward Lowe Foundation. Each year, GrowFL’s signature “Florida Companies to Watch” event celebrates growing second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace.

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