Volusia Innovation Hub Fuels Startup Growth in Daytona Beach

Volusia Innovation Hub

Volusia County’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is entering a new era with the launch of the Volusia Innovation Hub, a reimagined and rebranded evolution of the former UCF Business Incubator. Located inside the Daytona Beach International Airport terminal, the Hub reflects a broader mission, a modernized identity and a renewed commitment to supporting innovators across a range of industries. 

While the UCF Business Incubator focused primarily on guiding early-stage companies through structured, university-affiliated programming, the Volusia Innovation Hub expands that focus to serve a wider spectrum of entrepreneurs – from startups exploring new concepts to established companies seeking support. The rebrand underscores a shift toward providing more flexible, market-responsive resources, designed around Volusia’s unique business landscape. 

Connie Garzon, manager of the Hub, outlines the motivation behind this strategic shift. 

“Our transition from the UCF Business Incubator to the Volusia Innovation Hub reflects a strong commitment to serving a broader and more diverse entrepreneurial community,” Garzon says. “Moving beyond a traditional incubator model, we now provide a flexible, industry-driven ecosystem that supports founders at every stage of growth.” 

Launching New Programs 

The Hub’s new suite of programs is designed to meet companies wherever they are on their growth trajectory. These offerings include LaunchPad Volusia for early-stage innovators, Orbit Volusia for enterprises scaling toward their first $1 million in revenue, Mission Control for companies ready to break through growth plateaus, and Runway Volusia for businesses relocating to the county. 

Garzon says that the support extends beyond business advice. “Our Volusia Mentors network offers seasoned leadership guidance at every step, while specialized initiatives such as the Volusia Tech Hub and our emerging aerospace program align our support with the industries shaping the county’s future. This evolution enables us to respond quickly to market needs, strengthen collaboration with regional partners and accelerate innovation across all sectors.” 

Also, a location adjacent to the international airport and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University gives the Hub unique aerospace branding capabilities, reflecting the industry that will drive and shape the region’s economy, she says. 

Entrepreneurs at the Hub access tailored growth resources, including individualized coaching, market research and mentorship. These services also provide pitch development and vital connections to capital, academic partners and countywide economic-development networks. A collaborative workspace is another member benefit. Garzon says the Hub’s comprehensive approach is working. 

“Recently, a local entrepreneur came to us with a promising concept but no clear path to growth,” she says. “Through our nine-week LaunchPad program – leveraging our guidance from Volusia Mentors including AI experts, and market research support through the local library system – they developed a scalable business model, refined their pitch and secured the strategic connections necessary to scale. This coordinated approach – combining coaching, mentorship, research and industry resources – perfectly exemplifies what the Volusia Innovation Hub offers today.”