East Central: Greater Orlando and the Space Coast
East Central
The boundless ingenuity shaping Greater Orlando’s innovation ecosystem is an outgrowth of the aerospace and entertainment industries that for decades have attracted global recognition. Opportunity starts at the University of Central Florida, which has grown to become not only one of the largest universities in the nation, but also one of the most impactful engines of economic growth.
Anchoring The Corridor’s network in East Central Florida, the UCF Business Incubation Program facilitates smarter, faster growth for tech startups and companies expanding to the region. The team leverages a deep resource network of university researchers, industry trade groups, capital investors and federal procurement partners to support new and potential clients.
trusted collaborators + connections
Our work is powered by collaborative relationships with trusted individuals and organizations that share our spirit of innovation and desire to help.
CareerSource Central Florida
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Central Florida delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Pamela Nabors
President & CEO
CareerSource Flagler|Volusia
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Flagler/Volusia delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Robin King
President + CEO
City of Orlando
Economic Development
The economic development team provides assistance to business owners and companies looking to locate in Orlando.
Sherry Gutch
Director of Placemaking
Florida Space Institute
University Research + Innovation
FSI supports space research, development and education activities within UCF and member institutions in Florida.
Groundswell Startups
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Groundswell is a nonprofit incubator serving Space Coast tech founders and innovators.
Jarin Eisenberg
Chief Operations Officer
GrowFL
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
GrowFL is Florida's only organization dedicated to supporting and accelerating the growth of second-stage companies.
Jennifer Taylor
CEO
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando (HCMO)
Industry Group
HCCMO is the largest business-related organization representing the Hispanic community in Central Florida.
Gaby Ortigoni
President & CEO
Space Florida
Industry Group
Space Florida strengthens Florida's position as a leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce.
Tony Gannon
VP, Research & Innovation
Team Volusia EDC
Economic Development
Team Volusia markets and recruits businesses from outside the area to Volusia County.
Chris Wimsatt
VP, Business Development
Volusia County Economic Development
Economic Development
The Division of Economic Development assists business owners and works collaboratively with local stakeholders.
Brad Harris
Business Manager
CareerSource Flagler|Volusia
Talent + Career Development
CareerSource Flagler/Volusia delivers workforce programs and related support to businesses and job seekers.
Robin King
President + CEO
Duke Energy Corporation
Corporate Innovation
Sustaining Sponsor
Duke Energy is a leading energy company focused on electric power and gas distribution operations.John Fremstad
Director of Innovation + Competitiveness
Florida Institute of Technology
University Research + Innovation
Florida Tech is a tier-one ranked university with programs in science, engineering, aeronautics and more.
Groundswell Startups
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Groundswell is a nonprofit incubator serving Space Coast tech founders and innovators.
Jarin Eisenberg
Chief Operations Officer
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division
Industry Group
NAWCTSD is the principal Navy center for R&D, test and evaluation, acquisition and product support of training systems.
Diana Teel
Outreach Director + Central Florida Tech Bridge Director
Osceola County
Economic Development
Osceola County's NeoCity initiative is poised to serve as catalyst for high-tech innovation and creation, including jobs and capital investment.
Mike Nichola + Don Fisher
Government Affairs Director + County Manager
Space Florida
Industry Group
Space Florida strengthens Florida's position as a leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce.
Tony Gannon
VP, Research & Innovation
Veteran’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (VEI)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
VEI empowers and supports veteran entrepreneurs through business guidance, education, and mentorship.
Ricardo Garcia
Co-Founder, Director of Programs
Volusia County Economic Development
Economic Development
The Division of Economic Development assists business owners and works collaboratively with local stakeholders.
Brad Harris
Business Manager
weVENTURE at the Florida Insitute of Technology
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
weVENTURE ignites the economic power of women and entrepreneurs.
Kathryn Rudloff
Executive Director
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
