LAKELAND, Florida — As the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo kicks off April 5, 2022, the powers behind SUN ‘n FUN and its Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE) have unveiled a new initiative: The ELEVATE Aerospace and Logistics Business Incubator.
“ELEVATE exists to assist budding entrepreneurs, as well as established companies, looking to fully launch their great idea,” officials said in announcing the new initiative, which will be on the SUN ‘n FUN campus at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL). “The project seeks to accelerate business growth and develop successful individuals, businesses, and concepts in Central Florida, as well as around the world. The core aim of ELEVATE is to transport ideas from promise to product.”
“ELEVATE is a world-class think-space purposefully designed to foster creativity and innovation in the transportation industry, specifically in aerospace and logistics. Combined with the amazing talent and experience of the extensive mentor network available through the Aerospace Center for Excellence, we have built a community to foster and develop ideas into enterprise,” said Rick Garcia, ACE Board Chairman.
Memberships range from virtual engagement with mentors and remote events to private office space for companies ready to take the next step, officials explained. Open co-working and dedicated desk memberships are also available. Membership discounts and scholarship opportunities will be offered to students enrolled in higher education as well as veterans.
Members will have access to a dedicated “think tank” with floor-to-ceiling dry erase walls, a video-enabled conference room, high-speed internet access, and free coffee, soda, and snacks.
Polk State College is the first to announce its partnership with ACE and ELEVATE. It will provide interns and other staffing support, as well as opportunities for members to earn college credit in Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain Management.
ELEVATE’s office space is under construction and is expected to open to the public in June 2022. For more information. go to ElevateIncubator.com.