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Kissimmee approves funding agreements with UCF incubator and Florida SBDC for business support
Summary
The commission approved a $30,000 agreement with the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF and a $150,000 contribution to the UCF business incubator; commissioners said they may revisit program funding levels during later reviews.
The City Commission approved funding agreements supporting local small-business assistance: a $30,000 contract with the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Central Florida and a $150,000 contribution to the UCF Kissimmee business incubator for FY 2025–26.
Maria Cabellos, a Florida SBDC representative, described free confidential consulting and training services the SBDC provides to local entrepreneurs, and highlighted Osceola outcomes including new businesses, jobs created and capital formation. Local business owner Griselda Supriana gave a testimonial describing SBDC assistance with pivoting services and securing an SBA loan.
Esther Vargas, UCF business incubator site manager in Kissimmee, reported the incubator houses 12 client companies, supports about 45 local jobs and provides programming including the Grow Osceola business series and open-house events. Vargas said the incubator’s local funding includes Kissimmee’s $150,000 contribution and Osceola County’s $60,000 contribution; county support also includes free facility space in some cases.
Commissioners approved both agreements by voice vote. Several commissioners said they expect to review program outcomes and funding contributions relative to other contracts (for example, Main Street) as part of broader contract oversight and possible future amendments.
