Creating Jobs
As part of creating a climate that is welcoming to business, we are proud to partner with nonprofit economic development team members throughout the region.
In 2017, Orange County funded a total of $2,252,696 in economic development programs.
UCF Business Incubator Program
The goal of the UCF Business Incubation Program (UCFBIP) and its community partners is to facilitate smarter, faster startup and growth of emerging companies so those companies will become financially successful, high growth companies in the community. Learn more at UCF Business Incubation information.
UCF Institute for Economic Competitiveness
The UCF Institute for Economic Competitiveness strives to provide complete, accurate and timely national, state and regional forecasts and economic analyses. The IEC prepares a comprehensive, quarterly forecast of the Florida economy and 12 metropolitan areas, as well as a comprehensive, quarterly forecast of the U.S. economy. Learn more at UCF's Institute For Economic Competitiveness.
Venture Lab
The Venture Lab offers an array of business advisory services that are geared towards helping students, faculty, and entrepreneurs gain the business skills needed to commercialize research or launch a technology firm. Learn more at UCF's Venture Labs.
Florida Small Business Development Center
The Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDCN) delivers, through certified professionals, training and information to help businesses succeed and create positive impact for the Florida economy, while providing value for our stakeholders. Learn more at The Florida Small Business Development Site.
Small Business Advisory Board Council
The Small Business Advisory Board Council is a next-level, business support service, assisting established Orange County businesses by matching them with experienced business professionals with a diverse range of skills who work together on a "custom-fit" advisory board. Learn more at The Small Business Advisory Board Council Page.
GrowFL
GrowFL provides strategies, resources and support to second-stage companies for next level growth. By supporting companies with Strategic Research and peer-to-peer CEO mentoring, GrowFL helps companies overcome obstacles to growth and leads them towards prosperity. Based on the philosophy of Economic Gardening—to grow existing businesses in a community, region or state—GrowFL is the program of the Florida Economic Gardening Institute at the University of Central Florida and is a critical component to the state’s economic development strategy and Florida’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Learn more at For more information please visit Grow FL.
UCF Business Incubator Soft Landing Program
UCFBIP’s Soft Landing Program offers satellite office space with flexible short term lease at 9 sites in 4 counties in Central Florida. Learn more at Incubator Soft Landing Information.
National Entrepreneur Center
The National Entrepreneur Center provides a single location where small businesses can access a variety of business resources, technology, research tools and more than 11 resident support organizations. Learn more at For more information please visit The National Entrepreneur Center.
Central Florida International Trade Office
The new Central Florida International Trade Office (CFITO), which provides a central point for connecting the global trading community to local companies and supports small businesses who wish to export through partnerships and resources. Learn more at Central Florida International Trade Office.
Hispanic Business Initiative Fund
The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund is the leading Hispanic economic development, nonprofit organization in Florida. The Fund specializes in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business in Florida. Learn more at The Hispanic Business Initiative Fund Florida.
Black Business Investment Fund
The Black Business Investment Fund is a non-traditional lender that specializes in providing loans to minority and small businesses. Learn more at Black Business Investment Fund.
Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission
The Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) is an organization that helps business. We are dedicated to meeting the needs of today's industries and creating a competitive economic climate where businesses can thrive. To meet this goal, the EDC provides key services and support, which range from relocation and expansion expertise to long-term planning with our community partners. Learn more at Orlando Economic Development Commission.