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April 12, 2021
COVID-19 Business Resource Center: VolusiaBusinessResources.com
BUSINESS NEWS
EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY EXPANDS RESEARCH PARK
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has announced plans to add an additional 10,000 square feet of production space to its rapidly expanding research park. The new Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center will compliment capabilities already established in the park, including the recently opened 16,000-square-foot wind tunnel complex and the 7,500-square-foot research hanger. ERAU opened its research park in 2017 and has since helped 22 companies raise $41.1 million in grants and investor funds. These same companies have in turn created 104 full-time jobs with an annual average salary of $67,000 and provided employment for 159 student interns. Read more about the expansion.
FOREIGN TRADE ZONE – OPERATE MORE EFFICIENTLY
Establishing operations within Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 198 grants your company a strategic advantage in its industry by providing access to domestic and foreign markets and lowering the landed cost of your merchandise. By utilizing an FTZ, you may operate more efficiently by saving money on import and export duties, processing fees and more. If you are interested in learning more, contact Business Specialist Katrina Friel with Volusia County Economic Development.
DAYTONA REGIONAL CHAMBER LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO ASSIST MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES
The Daytona Regional Chamber is launching the Daytona Business United (DBU) Program to lift up minority-owned businesses and provide them with mentorship, membership, education and a supportive network. While the program will require work and commitment to the process, applicants chosen will benefit through one-on-ones with their assigned mentor, meetings with other DBU members, strategic networking and business guidance from a Small Business Development Center consultant. Business owners interested in applying should review expectations prior to applying. In addition, an important component of the program includes involvement from successful business leaders and owners to become mentors in the chamber’s initiative. Those interested in becoming mentors should read the Mentor Guidelines. For more information, contact chamber President and CEO Nancy Keefer.
AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY INCREASES AT DAYTONA BEACH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The pace of the airline industry recovery is accelerating. More than a million people have passed through TSA checkpoints each day during the past week. On Monday, March 22, TSA at Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) screened 1,140 passengers – the busiest day in over a year! And, for the month of February, DAB ranked second in Florida, behind Miami, and No. 19 for the U.S. for total operations, which are takeoffs and landings. Much of this activity is due to the flight training by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the other flight schools. Follow DAB on Facebook at @flydaytonafirst.
WEBINARS, WORKSHOPS & FORUMS
LEARN TO PREPARE PROPOSALS TO WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
In part three of a four-part training series on the federal Small Business Innovation and Small Business Technology grant programs, the University of Central Florida Innovation Districts will host a Zoom training session from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 20 in a Department of Defense (DoD) focused workshop that will provide detailed instruction on preparing a proposal to meet the requirements of the DoD, including both technical and commercialization plans and navigating the submission process. Those interested should register here.
AWARD PROGRAMS
SUBMIT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS FOR THE U.S. CHAMBER DREAM BIG AWARDS
Each year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizes the very best in American small business for their achievements in eight areas, plus the Small Business of the Year with a grand prize of $25,000. Businesses must meet certain requirements to be eligible. The deadline for the Dream Big Awards is July 16, 2021. Submit your application here. Are you a trade group or local chamber? Submit a business referral here.
FACTS & FIGURES
LATEST DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILES NOW AVAILABLE ON FLORIDABUSINESS.ORG
What’s the average household income or education attainment of a community? What does the labor force picture look like? What’s the population where you live? Any of these answers can be found in the latest demographic profiles available for all 16 communities as well as Volusia County. Explore the data here.
NEWS ITEMS WANTED! – Please send your business news items to Heather Edwards.