Building on Daytona’s heritage of innovation
•Inspiring Change. Developing Growth.
Innovate Daytona’s mission is to build a sustainable culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Volusia County region. We will launch initiatives that will attract media attention; connect people, innovations and funding; increase trust, diversity and mentorship while reducing the fear of failure; raise the area’s average income and integrate entrepreneurship activities into local schools, colleges and universities. The culmination of our work will make the Daytona region a hub for innovation that attracts and retains highly talented individuals.
History: Fueled by Passionate Minds
In 2016, nine passionate individuals who all have families and are based in Volusia County came together to start a reoccurring conversation focused on identifying action steps that could be taken to improve our community while retaining our best and brightest and providing more opportunity for all. The books Startup Communities and The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley provided the playbook for what could be done. Innovate Daytona was formed as a non-profit entity through researching the local economic development landscape and identifying there was a gap in representing entrepreneurs from all industries.
Results: Actions speak louder than words
•Accomplishments
- Hosted Rainforest Workshop with T2 Venture Creation experts & 50 community leaders
- Helped sustain and grow 1 Million Cups weekly entrepreneurship forum
- Launched Startup Weekend annual 54-hour event in partnership with ERAU
- Inspired subsequent Fail Forward event focused on overcoming adversity
- Gave rise to Elevate Daytona event powered by the Leadership Daytona Alumni Council
- Substantiated Trep Factory’s partnership with ERAU to fight “brain drain” and launch local startups
Press
- 2 Years Later, Startup Weekend Results in New Venture
- New Businesses In Progress
- Elevate Event Was Uplifting Experience, Organizers Say
- Momentum Building to Create Volusia Entrepreneur Ecosystem
- Entrepreneurs Encouraged Here
- Daytona Beach 1 Million Cups Turns Two
- 1 Million Cups Daytona To Mark 2nd Anniversary
- Entrepreneur Ecosystem Taking Shape
- Solving Volusia’s Brain Drain Issues
Supporting Local Programs
Volusia County’s Entrepreneurs
Ready to get involved?
We need your help
Click here to support the movement
Innovate Daytona needs your help. If you’re interested in sponsoring an event or donating to the cause, we’d love to hear from you. Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you right away.
Click here to be the movement
The movement is only as successful as those behind it. We’re always looking for driven, creative, and honest entrepreneurs and professionals to help us grow. Send us a message and we’ll get right back to you.
Thanks to our support team
