Lake Economic Area Development

Lake Economic Area Development (LEAD) is a nonprofit, public-private partnership created to strengthen, support, and unite the Lake County regional economy.

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

It was an exciting day last week hosting the @FLACommerce Business Development Team for a familiarization tour of Lake County, showcasing why our community is a prime destination for business investment.

Highlights included a visit to MEGA Workplace of Eustis where they were introduced to the @UCFBIP team, demonstrating the power of public-private partnerships in Lake and a stop at @LakeTechCollege Advanced Manufacturing wing, showcasing cutting-edge programs tailored to industry workforce needs.

Introductions were made to BEQ Science (from Mount Dora) and @OPTOKON GROUP/@gardant_global (brand new to Eustis), touching upon fostering innovation and supporting international companies creating a new presence in the US. Visits to Florida Food Products, @kroger , and Intellisteel rounded out the day providing a flavor of Lake County’s strengths in manufacturing and distribution.

We are determined to continue building statewide, federal, and global connections leading to opportunities that enhance the quality of life for our residents!

@lakegov @CityOfMountDora @lakeschools

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

Turn Your Idea Into a Business – Free Course!

Are you ready to turn your idea into a thriving business?
Join our FREE 10-week workshop series, every Tuesday from August 26th to October 28th, 3:00–5:00 PM!

Whether you’re starting fresh, need a reinvention, or want to refine your processes, this hands-on course is designed to help you step back from the daily grind and work on your business—not just in it.

What you’ll gain:
-Structure and clarity for your business idea and vision
-Expert insight into finding your market and standing out from the competition
-Guidance to build a practical business plan and strengthen your brand
-Understanding of legal, financial, and operational fundamentals
-Strategies to launch, adapt, and lead for long-term success

You’ll learn directly from subject matter experts and access online course materials to help you organize, improve, and grow—plus receive invaluable advice, all for free.

Who should attend?
Aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone ready to build or reinvent their business.

Spots are limited—register now to reserve your place!

Free | 10 weeks | Tuesdays, 3–5 PM | Aug 26 – Oct 28, 2025

For more details or to sign up: https://t.co/WyysMvwlG4!

@KauffmanFDN @FastTrac @sbdcorlando @UCFBIP @1MCLake

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

Starting and running a successful business demands knowledge on many levels -- and that's why we offer a variety of educational seminars to increase business success in our region. The latest workshop, held in partnership with the UCF Business Incubation Program on cybersecurity was very informative, with two regional subject matter experts leading the way. Keep an eye on our event calendar going forward so you don't miss out: https://t.co/gsvqzUHhIQ

Sponsor: Wire 3
Co-host: @UCFBIP
Speakers: Aurora InfoTech, LLC Affinity Tech Solutions

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

Don't forget tonight's free event learning the basics to best practices in cybersecurity for your business 3:45 - 7PM at City of Tavares - Pavilion on the Lake! #cybersecurity #economy #security #entrepreneurlife @UCFBIP @wire3LLC

[1 Million Cups Lake County @1MCLake]

Every Wednesday 8:30-10 AM at the Mega Workplace (343 N. Bay St. Eustis, FL) is #free #entrepreneurial #support @FloridaSBDCN @LeadingLake @UCFBIP @CityofEustis @MtDoraChamber @LeesburgChamber @TavaresChamber @KauffmanFDN

[1 Million Cups Lake County @1MCLake]

60 in attendance on a holiday week! Flayva Thymme ( https://t.co/MTu4160qTL )wanted feedback on: whether to pivot to buffet style, advice on their new website, and where to earn more corporate and private events/meetings mid-week bookings. @LeadingLake @FloridaSBDCN @KauffmanFDN

[UCF Business Incubation Program @UCFBIP]

🛡️ Small biz owners: Cybersecurity isn’t optional. It’s leadership.

Join us and @LeadingLake July 29 in Tavares for Cybersecurity Essentials for Business Leaders—an interactive session made for non-tech leaders.

🎟️ Register: https://t.co/FN8zVzqBhB
#UCFBIP #Cybersecurity #LEAD

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

🌟 **Recap & Invitation: 1 Million Cups Lake County** 🌟

Last week, Erica Hetrick, founder of **Crib Calls**, shared her journey of launching a concierge nursing service for newborns, inspired by 20+ years of NICU experience. With 60 attendees, incredible insights, & great feedback from the 1MC community, it was a hit! 🙌

✨ **Don’t Miss Tomorrow’s Event!** ✨
📅 **When:** 12/11/24, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
📍 **Where:** MEGA Workplace, 343 N. Bay St., Eustis, FL

Let's celebrate entrepreneurship! 🚀 Tag a friend to join!

#1MillionCups #LakeCounty #Entrepreneurship #NewbornCare

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

🌟 Thank You to the FEDC Research & Education Foundation! 🌟

We’re excited to share that the Florida Economic Development Council (FEDC) Research & Education Foundation awarded the M.D. Mickie Birdsall Scholarship to Monty Fletcher II, Manager of Business Support, and LEAD. This scholarship supported Monty in completing the University of South Florida (USF) IEDC Basic Course, an all-encompassing program led by economic development experts from across the state. The course brought together a diverse cohort of 50 participants, representing communities from around the globe, to learn and grow together.

Thank you, FEDC, for investing in professional development and supporting organizations and individuals driving economic growth in our community!

@FloridaEDC @USouthFlorida @IEDCtweets @OcalaCEP
#ThankYouFEDC #EconomicDevelopment #IEDC #leadinglake #FEDC #community #regionalism

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

**Happy Thanksgiving from LEAD!**

However you celebrate this season, take a moment to be thankful for your community and the blessings in your life. At LEAD, we are especially grateful for the support, connections, and opportunities we share with all of you.

Wishing you a joyful and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving! 🦃

[1 Million Cups Lake County @1MCLake]

It’s your chance to pitch to the community - speed networking today (11/27) 8:30 AM - 10 AM at MEGA Workplace

Free to attend and breakfast/coffee provided!

#networkingevent #entrepreneur #1millioncups #lakecountyfl

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

📷 Congratulations to Our Recent FastTrac Graduates!
We’re thrilled to highlight the third cohort of the Kauffman FastTrac program, graduating 12 individuals who are building new businesses or refining and growing existing ones. This 10-week program, held in Clermont, provided a comprehensive foundation for business success and growth.
Participants explored key topics with local subject matter experts, including:
📷 Entrepreneur lifestyle: from idea to business
📷 Market research
📷 Business model design
📷 Legal formation, strategy, and business exit
📷 Reaching your market
📷 Business etiquette and networking
📷 Building organizations and teams
📷 Financial management and funding
📷 Launching and leading organizational culture
📷📷 Measuring financial results and process optimization
The FastTrac program is an incredible resource for entrepreneurs ready to take their ideas or businesses to the next level. We’re so proud of this cohort and can’t wait to see their continued success!
#entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessSuccess #Kauffman #leadinglake #lakecountyflorida #centralflorida #entrepreneur #business #lakelife #jobs #creation
@lakegov @SouthLakeTablet @SLChamberFL @sbdcorlando @DosAlascoffee @Pinpoint_Web @AppleOneWorks @1MCLake @KauffmanFDN

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

https://t.co/O6flYT6rvS

Thank you @lakegov Board of County Commissioners and staff for your guidance and continued efforts for Lake County’s betterment!

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

🇺🇸 **Did You Know?** 🇺🇸

Lake County holds a remarkable place in WWII history! 🌟 It was famous for selling a significant number of war bonds and collecting scrap metal. In fact, the first war bond for World War II was sold in Leesburg.

Lake County also hosted a Prisoner of War camp and played a crucial role in aviation history. Before becoming the Leesburg Airport, it was the Leesburg Army Airfield, established in 1942. This airfield trained pilots with the 313th Fighter Squadron on the P-40 Warhawk and the 1158th School Squadron on twin-engine fighter aircraft. ✈️

Let's honor and remember the rich history and contributions of our veterans this Veterans Day! 🎖️

#VeteransDay #LeesburgHistory #LakeCounty #WWII #MilitaryHistory City of Leesburg, Florida - Government Lake County Florida

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

We appreciate the support of our new investors: @CPPI_News , Futures Electrical (https://t.co/kXZwEwInan), @LakeTechCollege , and @bretjonespa . Your investment plays a crucial role in our mission to create high-wage jobs in the community.

Your support will help our initiatives to innovatively and connectively enhance Lake County's economic ecosystem.

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

Local companies are growing and expanding nearby, and in Lake County, SECO Energy is increasing warehouse space and operations in Groveland, FL, on approximately 57 acres near the intersection of O'Brien Rd. and FL Highway 19. SECO's total expansion, including also their upcoming projects in Sumter and Marion Counties, will add 50 to 60 local jobs, including administrative and trades jobs. SECO currently has 400 employees across the central Florida area. Let's celebrate the investment in our community!

@SECOenergy @lakegov
#community #Regionalism #Resiliency #jobopportunity #createjobs

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

Free Workshop! Learn key steps, funding, and marketing strategies. Hosted by @UCFBIP / @LeadingLake / @sbdcorlando . Nov 12, 9 AM-4 PM, Puryear Building, Groveland, FL. Lunch included. Reserve today! Link: https://t.co/lTX6Td5mjB? #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

This November 18th-20th, Erin A. Jones and Mason Henson from @OcalaCEP and @LeadingLake will be participating in the @BioFlorida Annual Innovation Conference. They aim to showcase the diverse opportunities available in #Marion and #Lake counties to Life Science companies and colleagues. Join us to explore how we can support your growth and prosperity. #BioFlorida #InnovationConference #lifesciences #economicdevelopment #Regionalism #businessattraction

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

Free webinar tomorrow on business recovery after recent hurricanes.

Hear updates from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network representative.

Learn steps for business insurance, tax relief, and funding.

Participate in a Q&A for manufacturing needs.

Hosted by Florida Makes.

Watch Here: https://t.co/4TfuhW4mNr

#FloridaMakes #businessrecovery #manufacturingresilience #hurricanepreparedness @FloridaMakes @MACFlorida

[Lake Economic Area Development @LeadingLake]

Spotlight: Mega Companies 🏢💼

Mega Companies is revolutionizing Lake County's entrepreneurial landscape as a key private partner in our public-private economic development initiative. Their strategic investment has created a true entrepreneurial hub in downtown Eustis, offering:

• Small Business Development Center
• UCF Business Incubation Program
• LEAD office
• Private business spaces
• Virtual office solutions in a HUBZone

The MEGA Workplace serves as HQ for business creation and growth, hosting:
• BNI meetings
• 1 Million Cups
• Kauffman FastTrac programs
• Eustis Chamber events
• Young Professionals gatherings

Beyond this central hub, Mega Companies offers diverse spaces throughout the region across their many properties, further supporting local business growth.

Thank you, Mega Companies, for your dedication to our community's economic future! #EconomicDevelopment #LakeCountyBusiness