Volusia County Takes Over Business Incubator Operations

Volusia County has ended its partnership with the University of Central Florida Business Incubator Program and transferred operation of the facility to the county’s Economic Development Division.

According to a report from county staff, the move was made “recognizing that (University of Central Florida Business Incubator Program’s) model is primarily tailored toward high-tech and research-driven ventures, we believe that transitioning the Volusia County Business Incubator under the direct management of the Division of Economic Development will allow us to better serve a wider range of businesses while leveraging our existing economic development resources.”

Volusia County Economic Development Director Lou Paris said the change gives the county the opportunity to focus on a wide field of industry suited for growth in the area.

“The relationship with UCF was ended to allow Volusia County to transition business incubation services in-house under its Economic Development Division,” he said. “This move provides the County with greater flexibility to offer more accessible, targeted support, particularly to small businesses and early-stage entrepreneurs.”

Paris said the UCF incubator focused primarily on second-stage companies with regional growth potential and the County is looking to move the organization in a new direction to prioritize a broader range of industries “better aligning with the evolving needs of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.” In addition, the change is expected to generate cost savings and strengthen community-based economic development efforts.

Paris said all current incubator services will continue, and any current client can remain in the program.  “The key difference is that we’re expanding our offerings to support a broader range of businesses,” he said.

While change can lead to uncertainty in some areas, Paris said the County’s takeover gives the County the ability to leverage its resources and staff to better support innovators, startups and small businesses.

“This change will enable us to support our business community in more meaningful and effective ways,” he said. “Over time, we expect it will lead to a stronger pipeline of thriving, growing businesses across Volusia County.”